CGI works on new interfaces for European Space Agency to expand satellite communications market

CGI works on new interfaces for European Space Agency to expand satellite communications market
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jun 01, 2024

CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), a major provider of IT and business consulting services, has been commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop standardized satellite communications interfaces. This project aims to optimize resource usage, open the market to more operators, and foster long-term cooperation within the European satellite communications industry. The first open-source interface is now publicly available and undergoing continuous refinement.

The goal is to enhance the European satellite communications sector by making better use of existing resources. Market liberalization will encourage ongoing collaboration within the industry. These interfaces ensure the interoperability of "pooling and sharing" systems for satellite communication services.

Plans include linking these systems to other European Union systems, such as the GOVSATCOM hub for disaster response, maritime aid, border surveillance, and satellite navigation, and the European IRIS satellite constellation for governmental use.

"While closely collaborating with everyone involved on this digitalization project, we've succeeded in meeting the prerequisites for efficiently using European space capacities and resources, these interfaces will enable the creation of a digital Satcom marketplace, simplifying the match between the demands and the offers," says Stephane Pirio, Technical Officer at ESA.

"A special aspect of this project is that it's the first one to use agile methods in this field. This has made it possible to very quickly create a working standard that takes market requirements and direct feedback from partners into account."

Version 1.0 of the interfaces, available on GitHub, includes detailed functions based on feedback from consortium members and external observers. This version will be further developed within an open-source community in response to user and industry feedback.

"For CGI, this project sets yet another milestone in providing innovative solutions for the satellite communications industry," stresses Ulli Leibnitz, Senior Vice President for Consulting Services and in charge of CGI Space Germany.

"The biggest challenge in this project was designing standardized interfaces while aligning the competing interests of European satellite operators and service providers. As a result of this extremely collaborative partnership, we're now able to release the first version, which provides a solid foundation going forward. We will continue to improve on established open-source communication standards such as TM Forum and MEF and make the results of our work available to the general public."