EVOLVE SPACE COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

EVOLVE SPACE COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Engineering and Technology Strategy Consulting Firm specializing in 3GPP system designs for satellite networks.

We leverage 5G NTN and design network architecture to satisfy the legacy infrastructure and its evolution to next generation services including multi-orbit and mobility interoperability with terrestrial networks.

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Catalyze your most critical technology decisions in the next three months

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Not convinced 3GPP is right for you?

Qualcomm and Iridium tried to go the legacy satco way, here is what happened:

“It has to be 3GPP”

“…it’s a clear acknowledgment that the 3GPP NTN Standards-based route will be the preferable way to go for most, with Iridium’s existing LEO constellation being based on proprietary tech being its downfall.”

Luke Pearce
CCS Insight Senior Analyst

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“The industry is moving quickly towards a more standards-based approach…"

Matt Desch
CEO of Iridium
During the announcement of Project Stardust January 10, 2024

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“We’ll do 4G,
we’ll do 5G”

“The market has spoken to Qualcomm. We don’t need this. Why would we pay extra to put a non-standard chip in the phone?”

Charles Miller
CEO of Lynk Global
Interviewed by Mobile World Live during a 5G From Space event on November 17, 2023

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Satcos are the rare element uniquely able to complete the coverage puzzle together with the terrestrial MNOs.

5G is how you can leapfrog first entrants effectively, but...
5G NTN is not ready, it’s too raw, it’s what was authored, without a strong push from the satellite industry, especially the GEO satellite providers.

Challenges

Thrust Vector realizes the challenges are worth the journey.
We know how to navigate the barriers of entry.

Overall

In conjunction with functions standardized in 5G NTN, pragmatic systems enhancements are required to network system designs in order to maximize capabilities and meet and exceed proprietary satcom systems on spectral efficiency and other performance characteristics

Beamforming, Beam Steering

Terrestrial definitions of beamforming require additional engineering in order to truly leverage 5G potential for unprecedented spectral efficiency, near-seamless mobility, and optimal capacity management from space. This is additionally complicated by the need to concurrently manage 5G and other waveforms from the same satellite

Device Mobility

5G NTN is a solid foundation for device / terminal mobility, however, it is not intuitive for all satellite connectivity scenarios, especially for mobility using GEO/MEO

Session Continuity

5G core and RAN are not envisioned with towers in mind that shift in space. Specialized approaches are necessary depending on your specific network design and use-case / customer scenarios

Inter-Satellite Links

Current approaches to inter-satellite links do not mesh well with 3GPP network assumptions. Segment-specific designs are necessary

Coexistence with Legacy Assets

A satellite network optimally designed based on 5G is not naturally compatible with legacy assets. Custom cross-standard approaches are needed in order to enable continuity of service and efficient off-ramp for legacy systems

Resilience and Geo Redundancy

3GPP terrestrial designs and NTN enhancements need further optimizations to maximize overall system resilience necessary for global satellite operators

Takeaways

To be most effective, team up with other satcos that are considering 5G into a “Sat MNO” alliance and effect change satellite companies need together, using 3GPP mechanisms and other relevant standards bodies such as ITU, O-RAN Alliance, WBAlliance, IEEE, etc.

Do you need a trusted thought partner like Thrust Vector to maximize the value of your satellite assets while becoming part of the 3GPP ecosystem?

Contact us with the specifics of your objectives.

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Success Outcomes

We can help you achieve the following outcomes.

EVOLVE SPACE COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE NEXT LEVEL