IQ spacecom and RBC Signals join forces to deliver Go.BIC, the first dynamic Global On-Demand Bi-directional Intersatellite Connection Service, aimed at supporting inter-satellite connections for LEO operators. Connectivity for the service will be powered by Viasat’s global L-band satellite network.
RBC Signals, a pioneering provider of satellite data communication solutions with a vast ground station network, is partnering with IQ spacecom, a product branch of the German IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH, known for its more than 15 years of experience in broadband data communication for small satellites. Together, the companies have launched Go.BIC, a highly flexible service set to support inter-satellite connections for LEO satellites.
Go.BIC will use dynamic, on-demand capacity from Viasat's global L-band network of geostationary (GEO) satellites. This first of a kind service ensures real-time allocation of L-band capacity on a global scale, specifically tailored to meet the needs of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operators.
The service complements existing ground station networks to extend coverage to previously unconnected regions like remote oceans, bridging communication gaps for satellite operators worldwide and making their satellites reachable at any point of time. This enhances operational efficiency and offers cost-effective telemetry and telecommand options, empowering LEO satellite operators with improved flexibility and control over their missions.
Designed to cater to time-sensitive space applications, Go.BIC facilitates on-demand communication with LEO satellites without waiting for ground station passes. Serving scientific missions, university projects, satellite manufacturers and operators, Go.BIC can facilitate a variety of use cases including satellite tasking (TM/TC), scheduled data transmission, natural disaster monitoring, real-time satellite maneuvering, and backup communications.
Go.BIC is powered by IQ spacecom's XLink-L SDR platform and its L-band patch antennas onboard the LEO satellite, combined with RBC Signals’ ground station infrastructure and Spectrum Trading Orchestration and Resource Management (STORM) platform. In January, IQ spacecom, RBC Signals, and Viasat successfully completed Over-the-Air tests: a pivotal milestone in validating the robustness and reliability of this solution. This lays the foundation for its widespread adoption and deployment. The next phase includes an In-Orbit Demonstration mission with the XLink-L platform slated for later in 2024.
Dr. Kurt Winter, CEO of IQ Technologies, expressed great excitement about the partnership with RBC Signals, stating, "We firmly believe that this solution represents a significant step forward in advancing satellite communication capabilities and will meet the evolving demands of the global market.”
Ron Faith, CEO of RBC Signals emphasized, “This collaboration represents a milestone in small satellite communications. By combining both our industry expertise with Viasat's L-band network, we will significantly enhance the capabilities of the industry.”
Andy Kessler, Vice President, of Viasat Enterprise and Land Mobile, said “Our connectivity can help operators work more safely, sustainably, efficiently, and with assured security. It’s exciting to see innovative partners like IQ spacecom and RBC Signals bringing that reliable connectivity to every domain – including now Low Earth Orbit.”
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