SATMAR Spacecraft

The SATMAR project aims to evaluate in a real scenario the feasibility of the VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) standard to maintain connectivity and communication at great distances from the coast.

The SATMAR project aims to evaluate in a real scenario the feasibility of the VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) standard to maintain connectivity and communication at great distances from the coast.

The initiative includes the design, manufacture, launch and operation of a nanosatellite (6U) that provides VDES services. This technology will make it possible to provide two-way VHF digital communications from anywhere in the world and to solve different problems: current network saturation, more accurate estimation of vessel arrival times, managing maritime alerts and encryption of the information transmitted.

In addition to its primary purpose, SATMAR also includes a secondary payload for spectrum monitoring, turning the satellite into a true in-orbit Software Defined Radio (SDR) laboratory. The mission will test innovative technologies for high-speed communications in the S-band, as well as its ability to monitor and detect RF interferences in the VHF, L, and S bands.
The payloads have been designed to allow in-orbit reconfiguration, making it possible to adapt the testing process as the mission progresses.

SATMAR represents the natural continuation of the SHIPMATE project (Satellite Hybrid Information Protocol for MAritime TElecommunications), previously developed by Alén Space and Egatel in collaboration with Gradiant, and reinforces the path toward digitalizing maritime communications from space.

This project is supported by the Ports 4.0 equity fund, participated by Puertos del Estado and the Spanish State Port Authorities.

• Technology Capacities: Communications and satellite services under the VDES standard
• Execution: Deployment in orbit in 2025
• Financing Program: Pre-commercial project selected by Ports 4.0 equity fund
• Partners: Egatel and Alén Space
• Collaborating Entities: Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras, Oritia & Boreas, S.L. and Hércules Control, S.L.

• ADDCUBE
• AE2a
• AE3Va
• ARCSTONE
• BRO-18
• Connecta IoT 9
• Connecta IoT 10
• Connecta IoT 11
• Connecta IoT 12
• DUTHSat-2
• FOSSASAT-2E21
• Good Ancestor Kilakila
• HORIS-1
• HORIS-2
• Hubble 6
• Hubble 7
• Hubble 4 (Lemur-2)
• Hubble 5 (Lemur-2)
• Hyperfield-1B
• JACK 001
• Lemur-2
• Lemur-2
• MOBIUS
• PADRE
• Parus-T2
• QUICK3
• RIDU-Sat 1
• SATMAR
• SATORO-T3
• Time Flies
• TPA-1
• UND Roads 1
• UND Roads 2
• Lemur-2 LacunaSat 4A
• Lemur-2 LacunaSat 4B