Defense Speak Interpreted: JADC2—Why It’s More Relevant Than Ever in Drone Warfare
Beyond the Board: Orbital High Ground—Why Space Superiority Is Slipping Away
The Government Circuit: Trump’s Trade War Disrupts the Electronics Ecosystem
Reprogrammable Satellite Deployed in Space
August 13, 2021 | ESAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
A sophisticated telecommunications satellite that can be completely repurposed while in space has launched from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Developed under an ESA Partnership Project with satellite operator Eutelsat and prime manufacturer Airbus, Eutelsat Quantum is the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world.
The satellite – which will be used for data transmission and secure communications – was launched on board an Ariane 5 on 30 July from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
It has since reached geostationary orbit some 36 000 km above Earth, where it has deployed its solar array and is communicating well with its operator on Earth.
Because the satellite can be reprogrammed in orbit, it can respond to changing demands during its lifetime.
Its beams can be redirected to move in almost real time to provide information to passengers on board moving ships or planes. The beams also can be easily adjusted to deliver more data when demand surges.
The satellite can detect and characterise any rogue emissions, enabling it to respond dynamically to accidental interference or intentional jamming.
The satellite will remain in geostationary orbit for its 15-year lifespan, after which it will be safely placed in a graveyard orbit away from Earth to avoid becoming a risk to other satellites.
Quantum is a UK flagship project with most of the satellite developed and manufactured by British industry. Airbus is the prime contractor and was responsible for building the satellite’s innovative payload, while Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd manufactured the new platform.
ESA Partnership Projects develop sustainable end-to-end systems, right up to in-orbit validation.
Elodie Viau, ESA’s Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, said: “I am proud to witness the successful launch of Eutelsat Quantum, which is the result of an ESA Partnership Project. ESA fosters innovation in the space industry in the UK and across Europe, enabling it to succeed in the highly competitive global telecommunications markets. Investing in space creates jobs and prosperity on Earth.”
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Satellite Direct-to-Device: CaoCao Becomes the World's First to Embed LEO Satellite Communication Services in the Robotaxi Platform
07/22/2025 | ACN NewswireOn July 22, CaoCao announced a strategic partnership with Geespace, a leading commercial aerospace company in China, to further enhance autonomous driving safety standards by leveraging the satellite services of the "Geely Constellation." The collaboration aims to ensure that robotaxis remain "always online, never disconnected."
NASA to Preview Advanced US-India Radar Mission Ahead of Launch
07/17/2025 | NASA JPLThe NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, will provide a three-dimensional view of Earth in unprecedented detail.
Microchip Expands Space-Qualified FPGA Portfolio with New RT PolarFire® Device Qualifications and SoC Availability
07/10/2025 | MicrochipContinuing to support the evolving needs of space system developers, Microchip Technology has announced two new milestones for its Radiation-Tolerant (RT) PolarFire® technology: MIL-STD-883 Class B and QML Class Q qualification of the RT PolarFire RTPF500ZT FPGA and availability of engineering samples for the RT PolarFire System-on-Chip (SoC) FPGA.
Green Circuits to Discuss High-Reliability Space Electronics in Booth 233 at the 2025 Small Satellite Conference
07/10/2025 | Green CircuitsGreen Circuits, a full-service Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) partner to leading OEMs, is pleased to announce its participation in the 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference, taking place August 10–13, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Globalstar Signs Launch Services Agreement with SpaceX
07/08/2025 | BUSINESS WIREGlobalstar, Inc., a next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, announces that the Company has signed an agreement with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 launch for the next set of satellites, pursuant to the 2022 satellite procurement agreement with MDA.