Scottish researchers have secured £6 million to tackle one of space communication’s biggest hurdles: the steep cost of satellite terminals. While current systems can cost more than a new luxury car, these innovators are aiming to bring that price down to something closer to a smartphone – and that’s just the beginning of what this could mean for global connectivity.
While satellite communications have traditionally required expensive hardware, recent breakthroughs in technology are making low-cost terminals a reality. We’re thrilled to share that Scottish researchers have secured £6 million in funding to develop affordable satellite terminals that could revolutionize how we connect to space-based networks.
The research team, based at leading Scottish universities, will focus on creating terminals that cost considerably less than current options while maintaining reliable performance. We understand that today’s satellite terminals can cost tens of thousands of pounds, putting them out of reach for many potential users. This project aims to bring that cost down dramatically, making satellite communications accessible to a broader range of businesses and organizations.
They’ll be working with innovative materials and manufacturing techniques that weren’t available just a few years ago. By combining these new approaches with clever engineering, they’re aiming to create terminals that could cost as little as a few hundred pounds.
It’s like going from a luxury car to an affordable family vehicle – you still get where you need to go, just without the premium price tag.
The impact of this research could be far-reaching. We’re looking at potential applications in remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure isn’t practical, emergency response situations, and even everyday business operations.
The development of these low-cost terminals could help bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for connectivity across Scotland and beyond.
This three-year project represents a notable step forward in making satellite technology more democratic and accessible.
