Electronics Weekly
Based in Cardiff, Excelerate Technology will receive the funding for work on a Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT). This is designed to allow users to choose an operator, and orbit, via an app.
The goal is to allow choice depending on users are geographically located at that point in time. For example, giving high-speed connectivity in even remote locations.
Specifically, a consortium led by Excelerate, will work on a three-year programme for MAMUT. The full consortium includes Satellite and Space Consulting, Heriot Watt University, Satraka Ltd and Jet Connectivity. The funding is part of the UKSA’s Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme.
“This is perhaps the most exciting time ever to be involved in the global space sector, which is experiencing a period of rapid change and growth with significant new mega-constellations and thousands of new satellites being deployed in the coming years,” said Bethan Evans, COO at Excelerate.
“This £6million UK Space Agency funding now enables us to focus on developing a fantastic new product that will help keep the UK at the forefront of the space connectivity industry while helping connect communities in the most hard-to-reach areas of the UK and beyond.”
UKSA
It was one of two projects awarded £16 million by the UKSA to boost the UK’s postition in satellite communications.
“The UK has all the cutting edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry,” said Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant.
“These Government backed projects will not only provide significant advancements in mobile communication, but help to bridge the digital divide, connecting communities in the most hard-to-reach areas.”
Ensilica
As well as the funding for Excelerate Technology, Ensilica was also awarded £10.38m by the agency.
Again, this was under the C-LEO programme. It involved the development of “novel silicon chips and software”. Again, this was to support future generations of mass market satellite broadband user terminals.
The C-LEO programme will invest up to £160 million in UK companies in this area over the next four years.
