We are pleased to announce the successful completion (July 2024) of the VOCS Project, which focused on the development of innovative technologies for the VHF Data Exchange System via Satellite (VDE-SAT), a critical enabler for enhanced maritime communication. With the increasing need for reliable, global maritime connectivity, this project represents a significant step toward advancing VDES satellite payload technology.
Through rigorous design, development, and testing phases, the team has delivered a robust proof-of-concept (VOCS-POC) that lays the groundwork for future satellite payloads supporting VDES applications.
Key Achievements:
Advanced VDES Satellite Payload Development
The VOCS Project successfully designed and breadboarded the critical subsystems of a VDE-SAT payload, including a state-of-the-art RF Front-End, for Half-duplex and Full-Duplex modes, and a Processing Platform based on the Zynq Z7035 SoC. These components enable the implementation of advanced physical layer (L1) processing for both uplink and downlink channels, critical for the reliable operation of VDES services.
Comprehensive Test and Validation Campaign
The team implemented a robust testbed to evaluate the performance of the VOCS-POC under realistic conditions. Extensive testing validated the RF Front-End and baseband processing subsystems, demonstrating their capability to handle the VDES waveforms and operational scenarios efficiently.
Focus on Power, Size, and Volume Optimization
A critical aspect of the VOCS Project was achieving significant reductions in power consumption, size, and volume, ensuring that the VDE-SAT payload design meets the stringent requirements of small satellite platforms, such as CubeSats and microsatellites.
Future-Ready Payload Architecture
The project laid the foundation for integrating VDES capabilities with future communication technologies. This includes the potential evolution toward higher TRL levels, enabling the deployment of VDE-SAT payloads in operational satellite systems.
Real-Time Data Processing Capabilities
The Processing Platform, equipped with advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) modules, demonstrated real-time demodulation and data extraction capabilities for VDES uplink and downlink channels, providing a scalable and efficient architecture for maritime communication.
Conclusion:
The successful completion of the VOCS Project marks a significant milestone in the development of VDES satellite communication technology. By delivering a validated proof-of-concept payload, the project has paved the way for future satellite deployments that will enhance maritime connectivity on a global scale.
The VOCS outcomes provide a strong foundation for further optimizations and industrialization, supporting the integration of VDES capabilities into small satellite platforms. As maritime communication evolves to meet growing demands, the VOCS achievements highlight the potential of scalable, secure, and high-performance satellite communication systems to address these challenges effectively.
This success underscores the continued efforts to advance satellite-based communication technologies, ensuring they meet the requirements of a connected maritime ecosystem.
The project has been concluded with the Final Review meeting, held successfully on 4th July 2024.