In most satellite communication systems, full duplex operation (i.e., simultaneous transmit and receive functionality) is achieved by using two separate frequency channels with spectral filtering employed to achieve the required isolation between signals. With ever-increasing data volume demands accompanied by pressure to reduce the cost per bit delivered, new techniques to utilise the available radio frequency (RF) spectrum more efficiently are continually needed. Simultaneously transmitting and receiving information in a single frequency channel has already proven a viable approach in other wireless communication application domains and has the potential to double total system throughput. Such systems typically employ a combination of both analogue and digital Self-Interference Cancellation (SIC) techniques, together with a careful antenna design and a suitable placement, to achieve the necessary isolation between transmit and receive signals, and such techniques have therefore advanced rapidly over the last few years. Single channel full duplex operation has consequently been supported within consumer (cable) networks since the release of the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 4.0 in 2017, and integrated wireless access and backhaul for 5G using full duplex is also now becoming a reality. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) products are already available using full duplex such as LTE User Equipment Relays which enable a small cell LTE eNodeB to backhaul to an LTE macro base station using the same access frequencies for both the small cell and the macro network.

Digital Transformation is the change of business by altering the business strategy, operations, products, and objectives through adopting digital technologies. By implementing digital transformation, public safety stakeholders can make better informed decisions and create additional opportunities for cross-agency collaboration. 

With the new Strategic Programme Line “Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S)” created in 2019, ESA Member States have decided to focus and expand their efforts on the benefits that tailored Next Generation SatCom (satellite communication) solutions could bring to our digital infrastructure in terms of increased resilience, security, autonomy, capacity, and coverage.

As part of the ARTES 4.0 Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) strategic action, the present Invitation to Tender (ITT) aims to define, specify, and develop the first core elements of an incremental test bed to be used in support of complex telecommunication systems and services design verification and validation.

The European Space Agency (ESA), RHEA System Luxembourg, LuxSpace Sarl, Aurora Insight and the European Business Reliance Centre (EBRC) are joining forces for the development and deployment of a European Spectrum Monitoring System leveraging their respective core capabilities. A Memorandum of Intent (MoI) was signed last week in Luxembourg by Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, together with industry representatives.

Today, our communications rely mostly on terrestrial network solutions that tend to be more and more integrated (IP, 5G). Any failure of one element might lead to a major service disruption of the whole network and critically impact essential governmental or institutional services (at national, regional, or local levels) or operations that are deemed critical in fields as various as transport, finance, health, energy production and distribution, etc.