The Future of Onboard, Software-defined Communication in Space

Satellites are transitioning from hardware-based designs to flexible, reprogrammable software systems that adapt to changing needs in orbit. This shift to digital solutions enables more versatile and efficient operations, ensuring satellites meet the demands of modern space missions.

The Space Economy is Growing

With more affordable spacecraft launches and an increasing reliance on satellite data, the space economy is expanding rapidly. By April 2024, there were over 9,000 active satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and reports suggest there will be over 60,000 by 2030.

This growth demands advancements not only in launch affordability but technical capability, operational efficiency, and communication resilience in  space. Ramon.Space’s NuComm product line aims to meet these demands by enabling flexible, efficient and resilient satellite communication for the next wave of applications and services in space.

Evolving Space Communications

Traditional hardware in satellites lack adaptability – they cannot change on-demand or flexibly adjust to mission needs. They don’t have the advanced computing capabilities and re-programmability needed for today’s advanced space missions.  For example, satellite beams may be fixed for 15 years without the ability to change the connectivity or location of those beams. On the other hand, a digital payload, enabled by a digital processor, can provide that much needed flexibility.

Ramon.Space’s NuComm solution provides an RF processor which enables higher performance in satellite communications on orbit. These processors are specifically engineered to support communication constellation fleets with high-capacity, low-power and cost-effective programmable digital communications, which can be updated while in orbit.

A Software-Defined Platform

NuComm is a software-defined communications platform designed to support advanced inter-satellite networking and onboard data processing. Key features include:

• Adaptability: re-programmable in orbit, reducing risks and costs.
• Flexible Operations: evolving alongside mission requirements via software updates
• API interface support: seamless integration with customer programming requirements.

Performance and Flexibility

Built with resilience and efficiency in mind, NuComm’s performance includes:

• High throughput with low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C)
• Regenerative communication compatible with advanced waveforms including 5G NTN, DVB-S2X, and proprietary waveforms
• Digital bent-pipe capabilities with superior reliability and SWaP-C comparable to analog systems

Designed for Constellations

NuComm is engineered for multi-constellation communications with features such as:

• Multi-orbit networking across LEO, MEO, and GEO environments.
• High volume and speed manufacturing capabilities drastically reduce costs and lead times
• Ability to scale to meet the needs of both small and large constellation deployments.

Powering 5G NTN and High-speed Data Connectivity

NuComm supports 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) allowing connectivity across the globe — from rural communities and emergency response teams to IoT applications and broadband services:

• Regenerative 5G NTN split options with best in class latency and performance
• Offers lower SWaP for 5G NTN regenerative processing.

The Future of Satellite Communications

NuComm offers scalable, flexible and space-resilient solutions for satellite communications. Through operational efficiency and in-orbit programmability, we’re leveraging the power of edge computing in space to  set new standards for future satellite comms, accelerating time to market, resilience and performance in orbit.

For more information about NuComm, contact us at info@ramon.space