Welcome to your weekly newsletter from satsearch
In these emails, we share trending stories from the industry, along with insights from our work operating the global marketplace for space. Let's dive in and take a look at some of the developments that caught our eye last week.
Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Thales to cooperate on satellite-based 5G NTNs
Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Thales plan to bring 5G connectivity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations to enhance mobile networks as well as provide connectivity for remote areas.
The goal of the tests will be to validate various technology components needed to enable 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including a 5G smartphone, satellite payload, and 5G network on the ground. Find out more here.
The collaborative work between the three companies also aims to validate that a 5G NTN can be supported in a smartphone form factor, allowing future 5G smartphones to effectively become satellite-phones.
Ericsson plans to verify a 5G virtual RAN (vRAN) stack while Thales will test a 5G radio satellite payload suitable for deployment on LEO satellites. In addition, Qualcomm Technologies plans to provide test phones verifying that 5G NTN can be accessed by future 5G smartphones.
Hybrid technologies are set to increase the demand for emerging satellite communication technologies. And 5G NTN is one example in which established players such as Thales are also encouraging the testing and development of hybrid technologies.
Similarly, in other satellite verticals, such as Earth Observation, the information technology sector has created more value for satellite imagery data. Our next story provides an interesting example of a satellite monitoring tool, as well as the application of information technology.
Fairtrade and Earthworm Foundation will use satellite monitoring tool to combat deforestation
Fairtrade International, Fairtrade Africa, and Earthworm Foundation have partnered to monitor deforestation and assess environmental vulnerability by utilizing Starling, a satellite monitoring tool developed by Earthworm Foundation and Airbus.
This pilot project aims to capture critical deforestation data to support the communities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for management of forest landscapes. Find out more here.
The partnership will potentially create a series of environmental vulnerability assessment tools and initiatives such as the ability to:
- Analyze requirements for deforestation monitoring and risk analysis; receive, inspect, and validate geospatial data received from Fairtrade International on behalf of Fairtrade Africa and the relevant cooperatives;
- Assemble necessary background data layers for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana relevant for deforestation alerts/risk analyses and environmental vulnerability assessments, and given various standards, compliance criteria, and regulations;
- Leverage Starling base maps and forest cover change monitoring to deliver near-real-time deforestation alerts and environmental risk analyses; and
- Create and deliver training materials to enable interpretation and action on these alerts and analyses for smallholders’ cooperatives, as well as conduct a series of workshops with cooperatives to further facilitate interpretation.
Space-related sustainability applications are a very important area of the industry. The technologies that are being developed for monitoring the Earth, as well as those that can enhance connectivity in remote regions and when natural disasters have occurred, all have a part to play in mitigating the ongoing impact of climate change.
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