MIPT: Universal Satellite Communication Terminal

2025: Announcement of the release of the universal Russian satellite communication terminal

MIPT engineers are working to create a domestic satellite communication terminal based on an active phased antenna array. The device can be used to provide high-quality communications (Internet and communications) in remote regions of Russia, as well as at mobile facilities (including sea, road and railway transport). Unlike the previously presented samples, the terminal will have two beams and a seamless transition system between satellites. This was announced on March 7, 2025 by the press service of MIPT.

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Фото: MIPT

As reported, the terminal will become an integrated solution that provides access to high-quality digital services (mobile communications and the Internet) using satellite communication channels, including on moving objects such as cars, sea vessels, and subsequently unmanned aerial vehicles. To ensure stable communication, the terminal will be equipped with a gyro-stabilized platform that compensates for external influences (used to ensure accurate direction of the antenna to the satellite).

As of March 2025, scientists are at the stage of developing terminal layouts that will demonstrate the main characteristics of the system. The first tests are scheduled for autumn 2025.

The developers focus on satellites in medium orbits that require complex antenna control. To do this, MIPT has developed multipath phased antenna arrays that allow you to dynamically tune the beams of the ground communication terminal.

{{quote 'author
= told Dmitry Filonov, chief researcher, head of the laboratory of radiophotonics MIPT' Geostationary devices practically do not move in space, so their signals are easy to track. But these satellites give a relatively slow internet. The second way is to work on satellites that fly in medium and low orbits. They are more efficient, but move quite quickly, so diagrams directed to the spacecraft must be controlled. To do this, we make phased antenna arrays that allow you to control the radiation pattern. The second task is to make sure that there are many rays sent to the satellite, and they have time to connect to each time the next spacecraft. Therefore, we are developing a system that allows seamless switching between satellites without actually losing communication to the user. Such an algorithm is called a "soft" handover.}}

To ensure continuity of communication when the satellite leaves the visibility zone, the MIPT team develops a soft handover system. It will provide seamless switching between satellites, minimizing time loss of communication. This is achieved by using multiple beams that are pre-directed to different satellites or different beams of the same satellite, which provides a stable connection. The main part of the scientific and design work, as well as a number of tests, will be held in a keyless chamber in the Ku- and Ka- frequency bands specially created for these purposes on the territory of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. This allows scientists to work in conditions as close as possible to the real ones.

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Фото: MIPT

Given the plans of state and commercial structures to launch satellite constellations in non-geostationary orbits, the task of developing this terminal is extremely urgent. MIPT is ahead of the curve, and we are already preparing groundwork for the formation of the subscriber terminal market before the systems are launched. Our partner in this project is JSC Satellite System Gonets, the satellite communication operator of the State Corporation Roscosmos. told Alexander Afonin, head of work, director of the scientific and technical center of telecommunications MIPT

Work on the project is carried out within the framework of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 18.04.2016 No. 317 "On the implementation of the National Technological Initiative."

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Фото: MIPT