Novocomms to Create Advanced PNT Antenna System for Space

Novocomms, a Birmingham-based antenna business, has secured a grant from the UK agency Pivot into Space to advance its antenna technology capabilities. The company plans to utilize its existing expertise to create a proof-of-concept demonstrator by the end of this year, thanks to the support from the UK Space Agency-funded initiative.

The importance of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) signals from space has been on the rise, particularly in sectors such as communications, defense, and intelligence. With the UK government's emphasis on strengthening national infrastructure in the face of threats from countries like China and Russia, Novocomms' innovative antenna solutions are poised to play a crucial role.

Novocomms' upcoming antenna offerings are designed to be compatible with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, specifically tailored for ground-based mobile terminals that serve remote areas. Over the course of a six-month project, the company will focus on designing, building, and testing a prototype that aligns with the requirements of a UK-based satellite operator.

Liz Griffiths, the technology manager for Pivot into Space, highlighted Novocomms' specialization in cutting-edge mmWave antenna technology as a key factor in their selection for the project. She emphasized the significance of having a tangible solution that can contribute to the UK's PNT infrastructure and open doors to future opportunities in the expanding space sector.

Sampson Hu, the founder and CEO of Novocomms Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of focused R&D initiatives in driving the UK electronics industry forward. He sees this endeavor as a means to develop groundbreaking technologies that could establish a strong presence in global applications, ultimately bolstering the country's communications infrastructure.