Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Cobham and Inmarsat to deliver L-band ground infrastructure

Space

Cobham and Inmarsat to deliver L-band ground infrastructure

Cobham SATCOM has announced an agreement with Inmarsat that covers development and supply of new generation L-band radio access network ground segment systems for Inmarsat’s I-6 satellites – underpinning the L-band ground infrastructure for I-6 – currently set for first launch in 2020.


Courtesy Cobham

Cobham SATCOM’s next generation radio access network (RAN) leverages scalable technologies to deliver a more flexible, digital system, enabling Inmarsat customers to keep pace with market requirements.

The I-6 satellite network is set to be the world’s most advanced L-band satellite constellation. The network will extend Inmarsat’s market-leading L-band BGAN offering, delivering additional capacity while enabling future capabilities from advanced global safety services and low cost mobile solutions, to Internet of Things (IoT) applications and beyond.

Advertisement
ODU RT

This initiative continues a 30-year plus partnership between Cobham SATCOM and Inmarsat extending across land, maritime, space, and aviation. In addition to producing market-leading user terminals in all categories, Cobham SATCOM has developed and maintained the L-band radio access network and constructed Inmarsat Land Earth Stations in 17 countries since 1990.

Paul Kahn, President of Communications and Connectivity at Cobham, commented: “This next chapter in our partnership with Inmarsat builds upon our track record of mutual success and strengthens Cobham SATCOM’s position as a global market leader in satellite ground infrastructure. Both Cobham and Inmarsat share the vision and mission of improving connectivity for users and their devices everywhere. By ensuring global availability of reliable safety services we can help save hundreds of lives every year.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Peter Hadinger, CTO, Inmarsat, said: “Inmarsat-6 extends Inmarsat’s commitment to our L-band customers through the 2030s and allows us to expand the capabilities of this unique communications architecture to new and improved services. Securing the highest performing and most innovative hardware for Inmarsat-6 has been a critical focus for us and we are pleased that the evaluation showed that our long-term partner Cobham SATCOM could meet our rigorous specifications and continue to provide us with a sustainable competitive advantage.”

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
ESM-2 set to power Artemis II crew to the Moon

Space

ESM-2 set to power Artemis II crew to the Moon

31 March 2026

As the world prepares for the launch of Artemis II - the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years - the Orion European Service Module (ESM-2) is fully integrated, fuelled and 'go' for flight.

Scottish space companies pioneer next-gen satellite comms with SpaceX launch

Space

Scottish space companies pioneer next-gen satellite comms with SpaceX launch

31 March 2026

Three new satellites built in Scotland have launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission, marking a significant step forward for UK leadership in laser communications, spacecraft manufacturing and the operation of satellite constellations.

Funding available to advance UK space tech

Space

Funding available to advance UK space tech

30 March 2026

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £14.7 million in funding from the UK Space Agency, unlocking new opportunities to develop cutting-edge space technologies and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability.

National Space Centre wins at Cultural Enterprises Awards

Space Events

National Space Centre wins at Cultural Enterprises Awards

26 March 2026

The National Space Centre has won the Best Venue Hire Initiative category at the national Cultural Enterprises Awards.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Pulsar Fusion demos its nuclear fusion rocket’s first plasma

Space Events

Pulsar Fusion demos its nuclear fusion rocket’s first plasma

26 March 2026

UK based space propulsion company developing advanced propulsion technologies for satellite and deep-space markets, Pulsar Fusion, today announced it has achieved 'first plasma' in its Sunbird nuclear fusion exhaust test system.

Surrey Space Institute enhances expertise with new apppointments

Space

Surrey Space Institute enhances expertise with new apppointments

24 March 2026

New staff joining the Surrey Space Institute team have brought substantial space expertise to help deliver industry partnerships, space missions and positive impact.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner