• World
  • Aug 01

World’s first commercial reprogrammable satellite lifts off

Eutelsat Quantum, the world’s first commercial fully reprogrammable satellite, was successfully launched into geostationary transfer orbit by Arianespace using an Ariane 5 rocket that lifted off from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, on July 31. 

Who built this satellite?

• Built by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat Quantum heralds a new era of commercial satellite service. 

• The European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency supported the development of the core technologies integrated into Eutelsat Quantum, within the framework of a public-private partnership between ESA, Eutelsat and Airbus Defence and Space.

What is a reprogrammable satellite?

• Unlike conventional models that are designed and “hard-wired” on Earth and cannot be repurposed once in orbit, the Eutelsat Quantum allows users to tailor the communications to their needs, almost in real-time.

• Its in-orbit reprogrammable features set a new standard in flexibility that will enable users — the governments and in mobility markets — to actively define and shape performance and reach, thanks to its software-based design.

• Because the satellite can be reprogrammed in orbit, it can respond to changing demands during its lifetime.

• The Quantum model has eight communications beams, each of which can be modified to change its area of coverage and also the power of the telecommunications signal it emits.

Features of the satellite:

• The mass of the satellite at launch is 3.5 tonnes and its design lifetime is 15 years.

• The satellite will provide communications on the move with dynamic beam shaping and vessel-tracking capabilities, optimised for power and throughput as required by maritime, aeronautical and land-based transportation. 

• It will enable bespoke design of wide-area data networks and dynamic traffic shaping, responding to demand where and when needed. 

• It will provide government users with rapid response for public protection and disaster recovery as well as secure control using the latest encryption technology.

• The satellite can detect and characterise any rogue emissions, enabling it to respond dynamically to accidental interference or intentional jamming.

• The satellite will remain in geostationary orbit for its 15-year lifespan, after which it will be safely placed in a graveyard orbit away from Earth to avoid becoming a risk to other satellites.

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