ATMOSPHERE’s PLANET 9770 UAV-F is thought to be the first Iridium-certified terminal to combine Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity and 5G cellular capability within a single low-SWaP unit.
Developed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), HAPS platforms and airborne systems, the terminal addresses the growing requirement for uninterrupted, high-quality telemetry, secure command links and dependable payload data in environments where coverage conditions fluctuate or resilience is essential.
Hybrid Connectivity for Continuous Operations
With nearly two decades of experience in aeronautics and satellite communications, ATMOSPHERE engineered the PLANET 9770 UAV-F to ensure seamless connectivity throughout every phase of flight. The system integrates an Iridium Certus 100 modem with a modular 5G modem, providing both the proven global reliability of the Iridium LEO network and the high data rates of terrestrial 5G networks when available. This hybrid configuration supports real-time telemetry, adaptive video streaming and reliable BVLOS command and control in one compact, unified device.
Compact Design and Rigorous Validation
Creating a terminal that combines multiple radio systems within a minimal footprint required new engineering approaches and precise system integration. ATMOSPHERE developed a modular architecture to support efficient radio coexistence, power regulation and long-term maintainability.
Testing incorporated satellite waveform emulation using the Iridium SDR tool, cellular emulation via the Amarisoft platform, and comprehensive EMC, RF and functional validation in accredited laboratories. The PLANET 9770 UAV-F achieved Iridium Class 2 certification in June 2024.
Traffic segregation with VPNs
Weighing only 800 g in its lightweight configuration, the terminal provides Wi-Fi, Ethernet, multiple serial interfaces and optional GPIOs, with ruggedized variants available for manned aviation applications.
Proven in Early Deployments
Early deployments have demonstrated the operational strength and flexibility of the hybrid design. Cargo UAV operators utilize 5G connectivity during ground operations, switching to Iridium in flight to maintain continuous communication while optimizing data costs. Industrial inspection platforms transmit high-definition video via 5G while maintaining a secure, low-rate C2 link through Iridium. Government and emergency response users benefit from redundant communication pathways for remote missions and first-responder operations.
Flight-test teams employ high-rate terrestrial or line-of-sight radio links during pre-flight and testing, then transition to satellite coverage for extended or remote segments.
Demonstration UAV
Streamlined Network Management
User feedback from initial deployments informed enhancements to ATMOSPHERE’s network management tools, simplifying configuration and reducing operator workload. These refinements ensure predictable system behavior, consistent performance and straightforward mission integration.
Advancing Airborne Connectivity
The PLANET 9770 UAV-F represents a key advancement in hybrid communication for airborne platforms. By merging the global reach of the Iridium network with the high throughput of 5G cellular systems, the terminal enables reliable worldwide connectivity for both unmanned and manned aircraft.
Pilot operations have shown clear gains in telemetry performance, command-link resilience and payload data transfer. As LEO constellations and 5G infrastructure continue to evolve, hybrid communications will play an increasingly central role in next-generation UAVs, HAPS and advanced airborne missions. ATMOSPHERE continues to support operators with robust, scalable and future-ready connectivity solutions.
