Astrium and Cisco to explore space-based Internet Protocol (IP) routing

15 July 2010

Astrium Services and Cisco, signed a Technology Partnership Agreement (TPA) to study the applications of space-based routers.

Space-based routers have the potential to transfer vast amounts of data to multiple ground based receivers in a single step, eliminating the need to pass through teleports and rapidly increasing the speed of the download process.

As a leading supplier of both commercial and military satcoms, Astrium Services is continually researching ways of providing its customers with the ability to transfer increasing amounts of voice, video and computer data via satellite networks.

Working together, Astrium and Cisco will initially focus on studying the space based router that Cisco is currently testing on the Intelsat 14 satellite and how to best apply Astrium’s communication service expertise and sophisticated payload processing capabilities to better support its customers. Paradigm, a leading supplier of military hardened satellite communications, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Astrium Services, will work with Cisco on the first in a series of studies, which are due to be completed by January 2011.

Through this joint technology study, Astrium Services will look to provide a more diverse range of telecommunication services in remote areas that require rapid data transfers. These would include crisis management situations, remote medical emergencies and mobile military operations.

This collaboration is also part of Astrium Services’ drive to involve external companies and academia in its strategy to develop new services for both commercial and military customers.

Eric Béranger, CEO, Astrium Services, said: “At Astrium Services we strive to offer our existing and future customers original solutions to meet their needs.

“As pioneers in the commercial provision of milsatcoms, our partnership with Cisco is a natural step in ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of innovative satellite services, providing our customers with both greater capacity and flexibility.” 

Steven Boutelle, CEO of Cisco Internet Routing in Space (IRIS), and vice president, Cisco Global Government Solutions Group said:

“Today’s announcement is another example of Cisco’s commitment to innovation in networking communications. Through strategic alliances with companies like Astrium, we are continuing our expansion of IP Routing in Space capabilities to commercial and government customers worldwide.”