Skynopy, a French ground station startup, announced on September 24th its success in securing a European Space Agency (ESA) contract. This contract aims to commercialize adaptive modulation technology with the potential to double satellite data download rates.
The contract provides €75,000 ($89,000) in funding to integrate Skynopy's software with three satellite operators. These operators will be chosen through a competitive selection process scheduled for the following month. The project centers on Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) and Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM). These technologies allow satellites to dynamically adjust their signal strength and efficiency in response to changing conditions, a significant upgrade from the limitations of fixed transmission modes.
While VCM and ACM are prevalent in satellite and terrestrial networks, Skynopy highlights their underutilization in Earth observation. This underutilization stems from the cost and complexity of ground system integration, as well as the lack of a comprehensive solution for managing adaptive links. “Today, most of the modern satellites are equipped with radios that support these dynamic modulations,” explained Skynopy cofounder and chief technology officer Antonin Hirsch. “This enables them to adjust signal throughput to the varying signal strength during a contact to maximize efficiency, leaving efficiency on the table instead of [making full use of] bandwidth.”
This contract is part of ESA’s Programme for Userbase Enhancement (PUSH), a program focused on supporting companies developing innovative space-related products and services.