InnoSpaceComm · Project

Affordable Satellite Communication Modules That Give SMEs Direct Access to Space Data

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Imagine you need to send or receive data from a small satellite in orbit — like a weather sensor or an Earth-observation camera — but the communication gear costs a fortune and takes years to develop. EnduroSat built a complete set of compact, affordable radio modules (transmitters, receivers, antennas) that plug into small satellites the size of a shoebox. Think of it like going from needing a custom-built radio tower to buying a ready-made Wi-Fi router for space. They produced actual flight-ready hardware, not just lab prototypes, so companies can buy these off the shelf and launch.

By the numbers

2X flight models

Flight models produced per module type (5 module types total)

Types of communication modules developed (X-band TX, S-band RX, FPGA RF modulator, X-band antenna, S-band antenna)

Total project deliverables completed

Countries in consortium (Bulgaria)

100%

Industry partner ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Getting data to and from small satellites in orbit is expensive and technically demanding. Most SMEs and universities cannot afford to develop custom communication hardware, which means they either abandon space missions or spend years and large budgets on radio subsystem engineering. The small satellite market needs affordable, plug-and-play communication modules that work out of the box.

The solution

What was built

EnduroSat produced flight-ready satellite communication hardware: X-band transmitters, S-band receivers, FPGA-based RF modulators, X-band antennas, and S-band antennas — each delivered as 2X flight models designed for CubeSats and NanoSats. They also built ground station infrastructure and a free e-learning tool for customers.

Audience

Who needs this

CubeSat and NanoSat constellation operators needing off-the-shelf communication subsystemsEarth observation companies requiring reliable satellite-to-ground data linksUniversities and research institutes building educational or experimental satellitesIoT-over-satellite startups connecting remote sensors via LEO networksDefense and government agencies deploying small tactical communication satellites

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Satellite operators and NewSpace startups

SME

Target: Small satellite constellation companies needing communication subsystems

If you are a small satellite operator struggling with long lead times and high costs for communication hardware — this project produced flight-ready X-band transmitters, S-band receivers, and antennas for CubeSats and NanoSats, each delivered as 2X flight models. Instead of spending years developing your own radio subsystem, you can integrate proven modules and focus on your payload mission.

Earth observation and remote sensing

mid-size

Target: Companies collecting geospatial data from orbit

If you are a remote sensing company that needs reliable downlink from small satellites to ground stations — EnduroSat developed an FPGA-based RF modulator (2X flight models) that serves as the core element of the satellite communication chain. This means faster, more reliable data transfer from your imaging satellites to your ground segment without building custom electronics.

Aerospace education and research

any

Target: Universities and research institutes building experimental satellites

If you are a university or research program trying to launch a student satellite but lack the RF engineering expertise — this project created ready-to-use communication modules plus a free e-learning tool for effective product use. You skip the hardest part of satellite design (the comms subsystem) and get your experiment to orbit faster.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much do these satellite communication modules cost compared to traditional solutions?

The project objective states EnduroSat aims to let SMEs and educational organizations get data to and from space 'at a fraction of the cost' of traditional solutions. Specific pricing is not disclosed in the project data, but the SME Instrument funding and CubeSat-scale design point to significantly lower price points than conventional satellite communication hardware.

Can these modules be produced at industrial scale?

Yes. The project delivered production-grade flight models — 2X flight models each for X-band transmitters, S-band receivers, FPGA-based RF modulators, X-band antennas, and S-band antennas. Flight models are manufactured to space-qualification standards, indicating the production process is already established and repeatable.

What is the IP and licensing situation?

EnduroSat AD is the sole partner and owner of all project outputs. As an SME that developed and produced all modules in-house, they hold full IP rights. Interested buyers would purchase modules commercially rather than license the technology.

What satellite sizes are these modules compatible with?

Based on the deliverable descriptions, the modules are designed specifically for CubeSats and NanoSats — small satellites typically ranging from 1U (10x10x10 cm) to 16U. The X-band and S-band frequencies cover standard LEO communication needs.

Is there ground station infrastructure included?

Yes. The project objective mentions initiating a Space-to-Ground service including a ground station segment. The goal was to provide integrated in-orbit satellite communication and ground segment infrastructure for missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

What support and training is available?

The project developed a free e-learning tool to guide customers in effective product use. This educational resource is specifically designed to help new users — including SMEs and academic teams — integrate and operate the communication modules without deep RF engineering expertise.

What is the regulatory status for these modules?

The modules were produced as flight models, meaning they meet the standards required for actual space deployment. The project received a Seal of Excellence from the EU evaluation. Based on available project data, specific frequency licensing and export control details are not disclosed.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a single-company project: EnduroSat AD, a Bulgarian SME and the only satellite company in Bulgaria. The 100% industry composition with zero academic or research partners is unusual but deliberate — this was an SME Instrument Phase 2 project designed to bring an existing technology closer to market, not to conduct basic research. The lack of consortium partners means EnduroSat retains full IP ownership and commercial control. For a potential buyer, this simplifies procurement: you deal with one company that designed, built, and sells the complete communication subsystem.

ENDUROSAT ADCoordinator · BG

How to reach the team

EnduroSat AD is a Bulgarian space technology SME. Their commercial team can be reached through their company website.

Order a report on this consortium See ENDUROSAT AD profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to EnduroSat's team to discuss satellite communication modules for your mission? SciTransfer can arrange a direct meeting with the right technical contact.

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