ST Engineering iDirect has demonstrated a pilot version of its INT3000 modem, a multi-waveform 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network (5G NR-NTN) user equipment platform designed to support both 5G NR-NTN and DVB-S2X/MRC satellite communications.
The demonstration took place at the European Space Agency’s 5G NTN Forum using a satellite simulator. The INT3000 pilot connected to ST Engineering iDirect’s Intuition ground system, which provides native 5G NR-NTN gNodeB capabilities.
The modem is being developed to allow operators to support newer 5G NR-NTN connectivity alongside existing DVB-based satellite networks. For aviation operators, this type of multi-waveform architecture could support the gradual migration of aircraft connectivity systems without requiring an immediate replacement of existing satellite infrastructure.
Shravan Gaddam, Vice President, CTO Office, ST Engineering iDirect, stated, “This pilot demonstration is another important step in our multi-waveform, multi-orbit user equipment roadmap. The industry is moving toward standards-based 5G NTN connectivity, but at the same time, operators must support existing satellite networks. Our vision for the INT3000 modem is to bring these worlds together in a single user equipment, providing a practical path for operators to evolve their networks while leveraging existing investments.”
The INT3000 is intended to operate across different satellite network architectures, supporting interoperability between satellite and terrestrial communications systems. For aircraft operators and MRO organisations, the move toward software-defined and multi-waveform connectivity can affect onboard communication equipment, network interfaces, antenna systems and associated avionics integration.
ST Engineering iDirect is also developing 5G NR waveform capabilities aimed at reducing reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and satellite position data for timing and synchronisation. The technology is being developed for use across multi-orbit satellite networks and could improve the resilience of connectivity systems where GNSS availability or satellite positioning data is limited.
The INT3000 development is built around the cloud-native, multi-orbit Intuition ground system. Together, the modem and ground infrastructure are intended to support the transition towards standards-based 5G NTN connectivity.
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For the aviation aftermarket, the development of multi-waveform satellite communications could create future requirements for aircraft connectivity upgrades, avionics integration, equipment installation and certification as operators transition between existing satellite networks and newer 5G NTN architectures.
The technology also highlights the growing overlap between aircraft connectivity and avionics maintenance, with MRO providers increasingly required to support upgrades to onboard communications equipment as satellite and terrestrial network technologies evolve.
