Fleet Space and SmartSat Unlock Next-Gen Voice Capabilities

Fleet Space and SmartSat Unlock Next-Gen Voice Capabilities
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 12, 2024

The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat) has lauded a landmark achievement by Fleet Space Technologies, which showcased the pioneering satellite-based Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology through the Defence Space Command's ASCEND2LEO project. In collaboration with Safety from Space, SmartSat enabled Fleet Space's innovation by refining the 'Beagle' communications waveform, initially developed in prior SmartSat projects.

This adaptation was successfully implemented on Fleet Space's Centauri-4 satellite, marking a significant advancement in PTT communication technology, providing a framework for secure, instant, and reliable communication over vast distances through cutting-edge microsatellite technology.

The ASCEND2LEO initiative demonstrated to the Australian Defence Force Joint Capabilities Group that the Centauri satellites, through a simple software update, could offer high-fidelity voice communication, pivotal for various operational demands.

This demonstration underscored the Centauri satellites' versatility, establishing them as a prime example of the dynamic capabilities of microsatellites to address specific communication requirements quickly and efficiently. Peter Kerr, SmartSat's Defence and National Security Coordinator, emphasized the demonstration's role in enhancing Australian SATCOM resilience and validating the innovative Regenerative Voice System architecture at the heart of the ASCEND2LEO program.

"Introducing a novel voice communication function to a satellite already deployed represents a groundbreaking technological achievement. This venture not only highlights SmartSat's instrumental role in fortifying Australian defence communication capabilities but also underscores the forward-thinking approach of the ASCEND2LEO project," Kerr stated.

The live demonstration, facilitated by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), validated the PTT technology against stringent criteria, including voice clarity, reliability, and consistent performance across extensive distances in diverse operational contexts. Fleet Space's demonstration not only proved its satellite's capability to support essential missions but also its potential to contribute to a robust and resilient space infrastructure globally.

Matt Pearson, Co-Founder and Chief Exploration Officer at Fleet Space, remarked, "Our PTT demonstration for ASCEND2LEO exemplifies Fleet Space's dedication to innovation and addressing the complex needs of the Australian Defence Force. We're proud to pioneer the smallest voice-enabled satellite globally, paving the way for new advancements in the space industry and beyond."

This initiative builds on the success of SmartSat's prior projects, including the development of advanced emergency communication technologies and support for NASA's Artemis program through the LunaSAR project. The recent collaboration under the ASCEND2LEO project, supported by a AU$6.4M contract from Defence Space Command, focuses on enhancing tactical voice and data transmission capabilities in challenging environments.