NSSPI

Partners: ÉireComposites, UCD, MBRYONICS, Intel, Realtime Technologies, Ubotica Technologies, Equal1 Laboratories Ireland.

Funding: Call 6 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund; €7.9m

Project Background

Space activity is experiencing exponential growth in what is being termed “Space 4.0.” This new phase involves a significant increase in government and commercial systems, with the total number of satellites expected to rise from less than 3,000 to over 60,000 within the next decade. Currently, approximately 3,300 active satellites generate over 200 terabytes of data daily. The sheer volume of data generated by space sensors can overwhelm existing systems, often taking up to a month to be transmitted to Earth for analysis. Space assets traditionally capture raw data and transfer it to Earth for post-processing, which is inefficient in terms of quality, timeliness, and cost.

To address these challenges, the National Space Subsystems and Payloads Initiative (NSSPI) aims to enhance the capabilities of Irish SMEs in space technology. With over €7.9 million in funding from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund under Call 6, NSSPI will form a recognised center of space excellence in Ireland, supporting technological advancements and expertise in space systems and Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) capabilities.

Objectives

The NSSPI seeks to revolutionise space data management and satellite technology through three primary clusters:

1. Optical Satellite Communications: ÉireComposites is participating in this first cluster, alongside MBRYONICS. This initiative is focusing on developing high-speed optical communication systems (OCS) that will provide 100 times more data throughput and bandwidth than existing Radio Frequency (RF) technologies. The goal is to create an Optical Ground Station (OGS) with a phased array ground terminal, integrated photonics adaptive optics, and a >Tbps transceiver for enhanced data transport between space and Earth.
2. Autonomous Smart Satellites: This cluster aims to develop AI-controlled CubeSats capable of making real-time decisions and processing data on-board. This will reduce the need to downlink and store all data, ensuring that only valuable, information-rich data is transmitted to Earth. The project will deliver an Engineering Qualified Model (EQM) of an On-Board Computer (OBC) with integrated AI acceleration for CubeSats.
3. Spacecraft and Payload Modelling, Simulation, Assembly, Integration, and Test: This cluster will develop sophisticated satellite system models to support the development of payloads and spacecraft. These models will allow for the evaluation and improvement of payload performance and integration.

Expected Impacts

The NSSPI is expected to have significant economic, environmental, and societal impacts:

1. Economic Impact: By developing advanced satellite technologies and fostering collaboration among Irish SMEs, the NSSPI aims to position Ireland as a leader in the global space market. This initiative aligns with the National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025, which seeks to double space-related revenue and employment in Ireland by 2025.
2. Environmental Impact: The project supports sustainable development by reducing the need for large data storage solutions and minimising the environmental footprint of data centers. The use of optical communications will also decrease interference and improve the security of satellite communications.
3. Sustainability Goals: The NSSPI contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
   1. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By promoting innovation and building resilient infrastructure in the space sector.
   2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By enhancing disaster management and response capabilities.
   3. Goal 13: Climate Action: Through improved Earth Observation (EO) capabilities for climate monitoring and emergency response.

In conclusion, the NSSPI aims to drive technological advancements in the Irish space sector, positioning Ireland as a key player in the global space economy. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration, the NSSPI will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.