Project Description:

The growth of telecoms networks is often limited by a number of factors, but it is expected that satellites will help to fill some gaps. These are often termed Non-Terrestrial networks or NTN. The gaps may be economic, or coverage related, but when for example Mobile and Satellite work together there are opportunities that emerge. These include direct-to-device satellite communications, regenerative satellite payload, satellite backhaul, 3D open networks (NTN integration into Open RAN TN), NTN-TN co-existence, etc. All of these need converging architectures based on international standards to be cost effective and need adaptations to support terrestrial mobile networks via satellites.

Yet access to international standards may be constrained and making these more visible will help our work and raise understanding when new developments or reports are being considered. The baseline standards are also important to influence what next-generation NTN could look like and how to prepare for its implementation. Research and desk analysis is needed into how to widen and make more visible these sources for the international Satellite industry development and convergence with Mobile Communications.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we are also examining how bodies such as ETSI 3GPP, ITU, GSM Association and UKTIN can all help innovation flow towards a common vision of NTN to make wider investment impact.  

At the end of the 2 months, the candidate will have identified the key sources of International standards related to next-generation NTN, indexed others that could be available, and prepared a roadmap of standards activity that will facilitate the broader SAC teams in their support for NTN based evolution. The writing up of a NTN roadmap is a key deliverable as it will guide the future NTN work by the Satellite Applications Catapult.  The candidate will have an improved understanding of hybrid networks (Mobile / Satellite Communications) and a broad Sector understanding of relevant standards for implementation.  

Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• The candidate will have experience in accessing public sources of data and an ability to report on industry progress in non-technical terms.  

• The candidate will be familiar with communications technologies and will have some basic knowledge of business development.

• The candidate will have a good understanding of wireless communications, and be comfortable with complex systems thinking and problem solving.

Minimums requirements:

• Basic knowledge of communications systems and the space sector.

• Keenness to learn from new Research sources and an ability to write clear reports and recommendations.

• Problem solving skills and teamwork. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event to be held on 24th June 2024, and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

Company Description:

The Satellite Applications Catapult is at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving take-up of space technology and applications to shape, and sustain, the world of tomorrow.

Working closely with government, industry, and academia we look at the translation of research through innovation and market impact for the Sector more quickly through testing, business support and skills development that can help take businesses from concept to commercialisation through a curated mix of specialist expertise, equipment and facilities.

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.