UK Space Agency and ESA want innovative British companies to share ideas on how they can use 5G 

Space technology and the rapidly growing 5G network could provide a helping hand to the logistics sector – but the UK Space Agency and ESA need your ideas. 

After the coronavirus pandemic put most the UK in lockdown, with many having to remain indoors, the ‘vitally important’ logistics sector was put in the spotlight. 

Now, the UK Space Agency, ESA and other government bodies want innovative firms to propose ways to use the latest technologies to make the industry more efficient.  

The aim is to find a way to better link delivery trucks, drivers and suppliers using space and 5G technology to keep everything connected in a safe, efficient way.

The UK Space Agency, ESA and others want businesses to present suggestions that could help to close the digital divide for firms operating in the logistics sector. 

‘A digital presence and the need to be connected is intrinsic to modern life and in recent times, new digital networks have increasingly been replacing old physical infrastructure as ever more services migrate online,’ the UK Space Agency said.

‘The rollout of 5G networks will play a vital role in supporting faster connectivity across the country and innovative new systems, such as the Internet of Things.’   

The various agencies are hoping to hear a range of proposals from as simple as new techniques for tracking through to the launching of new satellites.

Its hoped ideas will be found that could make use of the Internet of Things from space – including controlling sensors, monitors or even vehicles.

The goal is to make sure the requirements of fleets of delivery drivers and trucks are met by modern technological infrastructure.

‘How do we better integrate space both physically and logically in to the end to end communications chain,’ a spokesperson explained.

If a satellite is going to be launched to achieve this goal then space, size, weight, power and performance are also vital to keep it affordable.

Proposals will consider what applications can be developed to make use of all that in a safe, secure manner to meet the needs of the logistics sector as an increasingly critical service, according to a spokesperson. 

‘Access to constant connectivity regardless of location offers huge benefits,’ said Catherine Mealing-Jones, director of growth at the UK Space Agency. 

‘We’ve seen through the current pandemic, that logistics are vital to keeping the country going and space technology is a key part of making that happen.’ 

Magali Vaissiere, ESA director of telecommunications and integrated applications said satellite communications will play a key role in future 5G networks. 

‘In the context of the ESA 5G Strategic Programme Line, this Call for Proposals is intended to stimulate the emergence of sustainable applications relying on innovative 5G solutions, starting from the logistics sector,’ Vaissiere said.

Converged 5G involves the use of satellite and Earth-based broadband services working together to provide more reliable services to more places.  

There are a number of challenges when it comes to integrating satellite, 5G and even fixed fibre technology in a way that works for the logistics sector.

For example, ensuring confidentiality, integrity and the availability of a signal even in the most remote parts of the country are all problems that need solving. 

This is a critical time for the UK space sector with permission granted for the first spaceport in Scotland and a memorandum of understanding signed with the US government to allow American rocket firms to launch from the UK.

HMRC is also entering a partnership with Indian firm Bharti Global to take a 45 per cent stake in failed satellite broadband startup OneWeb. 

The UK already hosts the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harwell, Oxfordshire and this will be an extension of that.

 ESA announced at the end of June that it is to open a new ‘space tech incubation unit’ in Leicester to help start-ups access the expertise they need in space tech. 

This is one of a number of business incubation centres across the UK supporting entrepreneurs and innovators who want to join our growing space sector.