Objectives of the service
The objective of PLATIN service is to answer the real-time mission information exchange needs of aerial work operators. PLATIN service may be used to operate diverse platforms: aircraft, rotorcraft, UAV, balloon.
PLATIN is a major evolution of the already existing PLANET service. Thanks to new mobile satellite connectivity generation, PLATIN intends to provide cutting edge applicative services leveraging flight mission efficiency.
The innovative services and features offered by PLATIN include:
- New Applicative Services (video transmission, bulk telemetry)
- Improved Network Services (security, QoS)
- New Generation of Terminal Equipment (Iridium Certus integration)
- Improved Service Level, Usability, Operability and Maintainability
- Better alignment with Standards
PLATIN service overview
Users and their needs
The service developed in the frame of PLATIN project targets aerial work segment: aircraft manufacturers’ flight tests, science flights, surveillance flights, etc...
PLATIN aims at:
- Improving PLANET service for special flight operations with new features and better performances
- Providing a solution for UAV air-to-ground connectivity via satellite
While initial deployment targets European users, thanks to LEO satellite connectivity, worldwide markets can be now addressed.
ATR-42 aircraft from SAFIRE: French airborne science operator testing the PLATIN system
Service/ system concept
The two main components of the system are the onboard segment and the ground segment.
- The onboard segment is composed of a hardware server that either embed or interface with the Satcom. This server also hosts all the PLATIN application. The application is responsible for data acquisition (for instance, video streams from external cameras or telemetry from external instruments), data optimization (compression, priority) and transmission towards the ground segment.
- The ground segment provides data storage and data presentation to ground users, as well as several APIs to allow third party applications to interconnect with PLATIN.
Both onboard and ground segments host a web interface that provides an HMI to users.
PLATIN system architecture
Space Added Value
There are several space technology elements involved in the solution. The most important one is satellite communication as means for data communication while in-flight. But other technologies are involved such as satellite navigation for carrier tracking and geo-location or satellite observation, as primary source for some weather nowcast products that are intensively transmitted during operations.
SATCOM plays a central role in the overall system architecture. This is the link between onboard and ground segments during flight phases. Satellite communication provides the unique capability to offer global in-flight connectivity.
Satellite Navigation is mandatory for carrier geo-location as tracking is the most important basic feature of PLATIN system.
Earth Observation data is one of the main sources of nowcast weather products transmitted during operations. Satellite imagery is often requested by users as a supporting feature to their missions.
Current Status
The PLATIN baseline system has been developed, factory tested, and deployed for pilot operations on fixed wing aircraft and UAVs. The Final Review milestone was held with ESA on the 4th of July 2022.
Planned fixed wing pilot operations on ATR-42 have been completed, and a first customer installation deployed on Falcon-6X to support OEM Natural Icing Certification campaign. This flight test campaign has been performed during first semester 2022.
UAV pilot operations have been performed on multirotors operated by ATMOSPHERE. For the PLATIN UAV pilot, ATMOSPHERE has developed its own flight test capability, including infrastructure (UAV systems and test field), human resources (recruitment of an UAV licensed pilot), and regulatory provisions (operator license, insurance, and operations manual). PLATIN UAV pilot operations have been performed during spring 2022.
ESA has granted a Contract Change Notice (CCN) in February 2022, to develop a Satcom terminal supporting new Iridium Certus® Service. Based on Iridium CertusTM 9770 modem, the PLANET 9770 terminal provides more than 10 times the capacity of legacy Iridium terminals.
The development and qualification activities have been completed in 2022, and Iridium certified two Satcom terminal configurations (with low profile and high-profile antennas). ATMOSPHERE’s certified products are now displayed on Iridium website.
 |
 |
| Iridium Certified PLANET 9770 UAV-L terminal | |
A PLANET 9770 unit has been installed on a multirotor UAV for pilot operations. The Site Acceptance Test of the pilot configuration has been successful performed in Wessling, with a first flight witnessed by ESA in January 2023. The subsequent pilot operations have enabled to build trust in the reliability of the solution, get return from experience from field operations and showcase the solution to new prospects. This complementary activity was successfully closed in June 2023.
The project was granted another extension which builds on the success of earlier PLATIN activities and focuses on the evolving needs of UAV operators in addition to scientific aircraft operators. A key challenge is the seamless integration of communication solutions into existing infrastructure. Insights from user trials and market feedback emphasize the need for a connectivity system that combines satellite and terrestrial networks with features like secure data management and third-party software integration.
The product was displayed at Iridium Partners Conference in Palms Springs (USA) in April 2023.
The new PLANET services developed under this extension of the contract facilitate the integration and use of ATMOSPHERE products and services within UAV operators’ end-to-end infrastructure. These services support both satellite and cellular communications, enhanced with capabilities such as secure VPN connectivity, edge computing (third party software integration), and user-friendly management tools.
The new services and features offered include:
- Integration into Existing Infrastructure: secure connection between user’s UAV ground stations and PLANET terminal on board, showcasing C2 communications through terrestrial (cellular) and satellite (Iridium) links for system integration.
- Enhanced Connectivity Management: handling of Iridium and cellular links to maximise link availability.
- Video and Payload Data transmission: real-time video streaming and data transfer from on board PLANET terminal on UAVs to ground stations, either directly or via onboard processing with user-provided third-party software.
User Needs
The new features and capabilities are focused on UAV end users and include:
improved features and new capabilities for UAV air-to-ground communication.
better integration of satellite and terrestrial communication for UAV operations.
The needs of several UAV partners have been taken into account to refine the user requirements and develop detailed definition of the system. System design activities were conducted to reach the required maturity, i.e. CDR level, to start development phase.
Pilot Phase
The pilot phase was implemented from September 2025 to February 2026. The pilot included 8 distinct exercises with end users and partners to maximise the coverage of the evaluation of the new services.
In most cases, the pilot operations resulted in incremental improvements to the product and services, thanks to concrete user feedback. The pilots also contributed to increased visibility of the project results, within existing user community and to a wider audience, thanks to public dissemination.
Importantly, the pilot operations triggered further business, including follow-on paid experimentation campaigns and initial sales of operational products and services.
The Pilot Phase has been an invaluable asset to prepare further exploitation of the developed solution. It strengthened confidence in the product and service, through collection of in-flight performance data, clearly showing dependability of the solution. It also enabled the demonstration of real UAV operations to partners and prospects, leading to initial sales. It contributed to the maturation of the solution to a level where commercial exploitation was readily possible. It further contributed to the development of internal expertise in UAV operational deployment that can be further valued for our customers’ benefits. Finally, it identified several areas for further improvement, which will be addressed beyond the Pilot Phase.
Project Exploitation
The project has been instrumental to ATMOSPHERE’s sustainability and business development in Europe and beyond. The ESA ARTES structured process provided an efficient framework to develop the project.
Within the project, a high level of maturity was achieved. Several users have already integrated the products and services into their operations.
The products and services are now ready for commercial roll-out, and several new customers have already been acquired. Further business development activities are already engaged to grow the business, in particular on international markets.
