A low Earth orbit satellite viewing Earth from space.

In the field of emergency disaster response, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have emerged as an indispensable tool. With its high-frequency updates and global coverage, LEO revolutionizes how we approach crises, offering real-time solutions for enhanced preparedness and life-saving interventions. 

A man is directing disaster relief efforts.

Post-disaster assessment illustration / PIXABAY

Utilizing LEO for Disaster Management

In disaster management, LEO satellites play a crucial role by providing frequent updates and global coverage. During a disaster, satellite imagery and data provide critical information for real-time monitoring, post-disaster assessment, and efficient search and rescue operations. This enables authorities to respond to the situation quickly, save lives, and minimize losses. 

 

The Crucial Role of Emergency Satellite Communication

In emergencies, having access to satellite communication is crucial for maintaining connectivity. This is especially important when individuals find themselves isolated in remote, mountainous areas or when ground communication is interrupted, such as after an earthquake. 

 

Remedy for Desert and Mountain  

Satellites can provide internet access in remote areas like deserts and mountains where infrastructure development is a challenge. Unlike traditional methods that require cables and antennas, satellites can offer connectivity without extensive groundwork. This technology is a game-changer for ensuring connectivity in otherwise inaccessible regions. 

 

A Case Study of Ukraine

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the importance of LEO satellite technology in crisis response is evident. The compromised conventional communication infrastructure highlights the need for LEO’s real-time solutions as they become essential for emergency disaster response. The LEO-based transmission system is a critical tool for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and government. 

 

YTTEK’s Role in Disaster Management 

In emergency situations, having reliable and resilient connectivity is crucial. That’s where YTTEK’s satellite communication payload, Y.LOAD S, comes in. It provides satellite communication capabilities that are indispensable for effective communication in critical scenarios. 

 

The Y.LOAD S is specifically designed to fit the compact internal space of a LEO satellite, with a size of 1U and weight of 500g. Incorporating space-qualified components ensures compliance with the rigorous challenges of satellite launch and the harsh conditions of space. Furthermore, with a software-defined radio (SDR) architecture, Y.LOAD is highly flexible and perfect for diverse wireless communication needs in space. 

 

YTTEK envisions a pivotal role for LEO satellites in emergency situations, transforming disaster response with real-time solutions. We are committed to creating a future where LEO revolutionizes crisis management and becomes an integral part of global resilience, ensuring swift, efficient, and life-saving interventions during challenging times. We are eager to utilize advanced communication technology to achieve our goal.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.LOAD S

Navigating the Cosmos: Unveiling the Distinctions, Advantages, and Tomorrow's Opportunities of LEO Satellites

LEO stand out for low latency, enhancing communication transmission.

Countries in the Asia Pacific region have been at the forefront of many mobile technologies. The first start in Japan of launching 3G network, and the first commercial 5G began in South Korea. The difference in the historic establishment of fixed telecommunications networks between countries has had some effect on the uptake of mobile. No matter how the difference, all countries have seen a massive growth in the number of subscribers and the capabilities of mobile networks. Today the mobile industry is in the early stages of the 5G era. Widespread 5G adoption will take time, with 1.8 billion 5G connections by 2025, representing a state of approximately 20%. As 2G and 3G still continue to exist alongside 4G in today, those will have a key role coexisting with 5G into the 2030s. It is important to recognize that although the steps may be the same for each country, the detailed activities under each may vary. The key frequency bands to priorities for 5G ate the 3500 MHz range, 700 MHz and mmWave. The density of use, ease of moving incumbents to alternative frequency bands or alternative technologies; and impact on service and users. Care must be taken to consider the socio-economic benefits that arise from both old and new uses of spectrum. When considering the level of investment necessary for new 5G networks, it will be important that spectrum fees ate not set at high levels that will prevent operators from investing, which will impact on network roll-out and quality and drive up the cost of services. The approach adopted and associated license obligations will need to take account of policy objectives, available spectrum, and market specifics .

 

While some countries may be more advanced than others, it is cleat that all are working towards ensuring that 5G networks are deployed and operational. Spectrum clearance is genertally underway, although come countries are concentration only on one band (3500 MHz band) ar a priority which may lead to poorly simensioned and costly networks. Across Asia Pacific, some countries have been global leaders in the rollout of 5G. the first commercial 5G network in the world was launched in South Korea on 3rd April 2019. To build a 5G network with the best possible performance, operators need access to significant amount of harmonizes spectrum. This must be new spectrum separate from what is currently used for existing GSM, UMTS and LTE networks.

Spectrum status of 5G deployment in APAC Linking the variation in 5G depliment and difference in spectrum awards, countries have taken a very diverse approuch to aearding spectrum for 5G. a few countries have become the first in the world to aeard spectrum in the mmWave bands, with both 26 GHz and 28 GHz spectrum available in selested locationa. The 700 MH whoch was developed by the APT and adopted as a harmonised band in 2010 has neeed awarded on some countries. This band remains unacailable in many major APAC carkets sue to delays in the switch-off onf analogue TV and scross-border cooedination issues, there hava even been awards at 450 MHz wich can be applied to 5G networks. However, there remain a number od countries where spectrum for 5G has not beed awarded. A key point here is the need for regulators to consider spectrum needs not only for the short-term but also the long-term. In particular, the 4.8 GHz and 6 GHz bands may be key mid-band spectrum for 5G expansion. The GSMA estimated that by 2030, total mid-band spectrum demand for 5G services in cities will be, on average, 2 GHz 0 this is likely not achievable in the 3500 MHz band along. Regulators across APAC mist consider the use of these other bands and support their allocation to IMT at WRC-23, to ensure first that there can be high-quality broadband connections available to al citizens in their countries, and also that network expansion will not be hampered by an overly myopic spectrum release strategy. Australia is one of the leading markets in the Asia Pacific region in terms of the 5G rollout. it was enabled by the timely release of suitable 5G spectrum bands, particularly in the 3500 MHz band. As of Q2 2021 5G population coverage in Australia had reached 76.6% (GSMA Intelligence).

 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has completed spectrum awards in the 3600 MHz (3575-3700 MHz) band in December 2018 and in the 26 GHz band in April 2021.

 

Spectrum in the 3400 to 2575 MHz range, 3400 MHz, in Australia hd previouls need assigned throuhgt different mechanisms which include administrative and class lidensing, these arranfements authorise a vatirty of services, including witeless broasband, fixed satellite, radiolocation and amateur services. The ACMA consider that the combination of measures would best maximise the overall public benefit derived from use od the band, while minimising the impect on incumbent services. In august 2021 the ACMA published a consultation on the technical options for the use of th 3400 MHz for witeless broadband in urband areas. The timeframe for the release of the refarmed 3400 MHz is expected to be quring Q2 2022 to Q2 2023. In Australia the 3700 to 4200 MHz band support a mic of incumbent uses including apparatus licensed point-to-point fixed service links(PTP), coordinated fixed satellite service(FSS) receive earth stations nad various low power class licensed devices. In February 2022, the Australian Government affirmed the ACMA’s decisiond on the allocation of the 3400-3575 MHz and 3700-4000 MHz for new and innocative techobologies including 5G.

The status in APAC

SpaceX公司積極建立其衛星互聯網服務,已將超過2800顆星鏈衛星送入軌道。目標4.2萬顆衛星來說,這只是個開端。依據目前的預估的資料,地球低軌可容納約5萬顆衛星,SpaceX的“星鏈”專案計畫發射約4.2萬顆,將占比超過80%。

曾經太空競賽由政府主導,在資本不間斷的努力下,已然成為各大廠未來相繼努力的目標。

在相對應的技術並不是那麼普及的時候,有限的低軌道太空空間裡,一個約定成俗的歸責慢慢開始。如同幾世紀以前的殖民開發,先到先得。圈了地,簽上名,相當於劃入自己的所有權。SpaceX為了打破這一個既有卻不成文的規定。提出星鏈計畫(Starlink),利用領先的科學技術匹量的發射衛星佔領太空區域。

根據USC衛星資料庫上的資訊顯示截止到2022年初在軌運行的人造衛星有4852顆,美國屬於大中擁有6成以上的佔有率,2944顆,以絕對的優勢遙遙領先其他國家的運行數量。

那麼低軌道衛星相對於其他的優勢,究竟在哪?為什麼幾個科技大廠爭相恐後的,渴望在這一個市場爭得一席之地。

雖然相較中高軌衛星存在覆蓋範圍不足的問題,但低軌衛星具有發射成本低、距離地面近、傳輸時延短、路徑損耗小、資料傳輸率高等優點,同時對終端的功率要求也較低,適合在手持移動終端上搭載。低軌衛星由於具有低成本、廣覆蓋、寬頻化、低延時等優點,現階段應用廣泛。

隨著時間的發展,火箭發射(可回收及一箭多星)、衛星製造(元件化和模組化)、積體電路(小型化和材料)等技術大幅度進步,寬頻星座逐漸成為發展熱點,逐漸出現了一批新的衛星通信計畫,其中starlink、OneWeb、O3b、TeleSat、LeoSat等是域外的典型代表,中國也相繼推出了“虹雲”、“鴻雁”等計畫。

低軌衛星通信技術也被認為是未來通信的新發展方向之一,在6G通信系統中已經確定會使用衛星通信+地面基站的組網方式,以實現地海空再加上宇宙的一體化,衛星通信技術被納入民用移動通信的大部隊。在這個時間節點,哪家廠商能率先克服天線、成本、基帶晶片等問題將衛星通信功能加入到自己的產品中,尤為值得大家關注。