Heriot-Watt scientists to develop next-generation satellite user terminal for affordable global connectivity
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University have been given the green light for a new project that aims to bring cost-effective connectivity to all.
A multi-agency consortium that includes Heriot-Watt University has received £6 million from the UK Space Agency's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme.
Led by the Cardiff-based tech company, Excelerate Technology Ltd, the team is developing a small and flexible Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT) capable of connecting with multi-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet access.
MAMUT is being designed with the end user in mind.
Customers will be able to choose a satellite operator across LEO, MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) or GEO (Geostationary) orbits via an app, reducing costs and enhancing global configurability.
MAMUT is aimed at bringing internet connection to those in remote areas on land and sea such as oil rigs and in mountainous areas where establishing a reliable internet connection can be fraught with difficulties.
George Goussetis, Professor of Microwave and Antenna Engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, is using his expertise to help build a flat satellite terminal antenna for MAMUT and at a lower cost of existing technology.
He said, "The rise of satellite connectivity is opening up new opportunities in industries that previously lacked reliable internet access—such as offshore operations, autonomous transportation including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones, emergency response, and government missions.
"By future-proofing the terminal, reducing its size, and enhancing resilience, we aim to ensure truly global internet access—unrestricted, flexible, and available anytime, anywhere."
Heriot-Watt researcher, Dr. Samuel Rotenberg, from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences who is also working on the project said, "Currently, almost all Low Earth Orbit terminals on the market—or in development—focus on throughput performance metrics.
"These terminals are often too large, expensive, and power-inefficient for many potential markets and satellite networks, which is slowing industry growth.
"The MAMUT project will deliver a compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient terminal designed for use in static, mobile, and autonomous applications, offering modularity and cost flexibility to meet customer needs."
Other members of the MAMUT consortium include Satellite and Space Consulting, Satraka Ltd and Jet Connectivity.
The UK Government recently named the projects that will benefit from a share of the UK Space Agency's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme.
Totalling £16 million, the programme is assisting UK industries in capturing a greater portion of the satellite mega-constellation market by developing technologies that improve their efficiency and capability.
With funding secured for MAMUT for the next three years, the team will now focus on building a prototype terminal and meet with industry leaders to demonstrate the real-life and competitive advantages of their system.
Bethan Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Excelerate Technology Ltd said, "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.
"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."
Heriot-Watt University has shared its vision to host a space tech cluster at its Edinburgh campus.
With programmes designed to bridge research and industry, such as a new degree in Aerospace Engineering, the University ensures its students are equipped to drive forward the next wave of advancements in space.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, comments further: "At Heriot-Watt, we're building a vibrant ecosystem in space technology and innovation. Our university ranks number one in the UK for research in physics and is home to one of the five UKRI-funded quantum hubs, the Integrated Quantum Network hub, alongside multiple centres for doctoral training. We also host the Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), a powerful telescope that underpins our photonics-enabled communication and satellite research, and we're co-located with a range of dynamic space-related businesses at our Research Park.
"This unique combination of expertise, facilities, and industry collaboration means we can rapidly translate cutting-edge research into world-changing applications, exemplified by our role in MAMUT. From quantum communications to satellite connectivity, Heriot-Watt is proud to be driving forward the next wave of advancements in space-based technologies for the benefit of society and the global economy."
Provided by Heriot-Watt University