Objectives of the service
SatLine revolutionises rail network maintenance by offering a comprehensive data-cloud solution for continuous, real-time monitoring of rail track geometry. The service solves the critical issue of detecting temperature ‘hotspots’ and addressing rail track distortions and movements, which can compromise safety and efficiency.
By combining advanced hardware with a monthly data subscription, SatLine provides rail-network operators with the ability to monitor the rail network accurately. This includes detecting sudden movement events and precisely locating these events using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data.
A central dashboard used for system data presentation enables operators to identify maintenance hot spots promptly. This proactive approach to maintenance is designed to enhance rail safety, reduce downtime, and optimize operational efficiency across national rail networks.
Users and their needs
SatLine is specifically designed for national rail network operators. These users are responsible for the maintenance and safety of rail infrastructure. Their primary needs include:
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Continuous, real-time monitoring of rail track geometry to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
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Precise detection and localization of track distortions and movements for timely maintenance interventions.
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Low-cost, innovative solutions that can be easily implemented and scaled across large networks.
All countries with extensive rail networks can benefit from the advanced monitoring SatLine delivers, to maintain and improve their rail systems' safety and efficiency.
Service/ system concept
SatLine provides rail network operators with a cutting-edge solution for monitoring rail track geometry in real-time. The service delivers:
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High-precision detection of track movements.
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Accurate location data for detected events through GNSS.
Operators have access to a dashboard that displays real-time data on track conditions, highlighting areas that require maintenance. The system architecture integrates satellite data and local sensor networks, delivering information via a cloud-based platform for easy access and analysis. This enables operators to swiftly identify and address potential issues, ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations.
Existing market technology is accelerometer-based, meaning track faults are only reported once large movements have occurred locally. SatLine uses smart sensors placed along railway tracks to monitor and detect any changes or movements in the rail's position and shape. These sensors gather data about the track's condition in real-time. This information is combined with satellite location data to pinpoint exactly where any issues are found on the track. All this data is sent to a central cloud-based platform, where it's analysed to identify potential problems or areas that need maintenance. This setup allows railway operators to get a complete and up-to-the-minute picture of their rail network's health, enabling them to fix issues quickly before they become bigger problems. Essentially, SatLine acts as a constant, vigilant eye over the railway, ensuring tracks are in top condition and trains can run safely and smoothly
Space Added Value
SatLine leverages space assets, to provide unprecedented accuracy and coverage in rail track monitoring. This approach offers significant advantages over existing technologies by utilising GNSS and SatCom.
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Ensuring precise localisation of track movements, enhancing the ability to pinpoint maintenance needs.
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Utilising satellite communication for areas with limited cellular coverage, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission.
The integration of space assets into SatLine's solution represents a significant value addition, offering a level of coverage, and reliability that current ground-based or solely accelerometer-based solutions cannot match. This strategic use of space technology positions SatLine as a leading solution in the global market for rail track monitoring.
Current Status
Feasibility study has shown that the system is viable in its current form and continues to design, releasing to manufacture and commercialisation. The use of space assets greatly enhances the usability of the system in areas where cell communications is unreliable.
Prime Contractor(s)
