Novocomms ‘pivots into space’ with PNT R&D project

UK antenna specialist Novocomms has commenced an R&D project to develop a next generation positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) antenna system for use in space. With a grant from UK agency Pivot into Space, the Birmingham-based antenna business will be leveraging its existing antenna know-how to develop a proof-of-concept demonstrator by the end of this year.

PNT signals from space are increasingly crucial to the communications, defence and intelligence sectors, and the UK government has clear ambitions to strengthen its national infrastructure, given the evident threat from China, Russia and other hostile states.

Novocomms’ innovative antenna solution will be compatible with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and specifically designed for ground-based mobile terminals to support remote areas. During the six-month project, Novocomms will design, build and test its prototype using specific requirements from a UK-based satellite operator.

Pivot into Space is funded by the UK Space Agency and run by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.

Technology manager for Pivot into Space, Liz Griffiths, said: “Novocomms specialise in state-of-the-art mmWave antenna technology and their knowledge and experience makes them a perfect fit to contribute to the UK’s PNT infrastructure. Having a demonstrable solution will help them to access future opportunities in the growing space sector.”

Sampson Hu, founder CEO of Novocomms Group, said: “Highly focused R&D projects such as this are really important to the future prosperity of the UK electronics industry, as they allow us to develop world-beating technologies that could gain a foothold in emerging global applications. Developing our own, UK design and made communications infrastructure is not only vital to the future of manufacturing but also our national security.”