Gotonomi’s satellite communications (satcom) terminals facilitate consistent, secure beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) data transfer for autonomous aerial platforms.
The company’s miniaturized satcom and cellular connectivity solutions have been tested with various drone platforms, including quadcopters, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
Over vast distances and in challenging environments, satcom solutions aid in scenarios where traditional communication networks such as cellular or radio links are limited or unavailable. Satcoms has a wide range of applications across operations that require reliable, long-range connectivity, such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, inspections.
Gotonomi Satcom Terminals
- V200 Terminal: A self-contained, turnkey solution offering out-of-the-box satellite connectivity with simplified installation. It includes an integrated antenna.
- Velaris Module + 200A Omni Antenna: Ideal for low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) installations, this module provides an optimal satellite connectivity solution for integrated systems within UAV airframes.
- Multilink Terminal: Combines the Velaris module with LTE connectivity and onboard edge computing capabilities. This terminal provides reduced SWaP, especially with integrated video compression software for more efficient data transmission.
The Gotonomi 200A Omni antenna is the recommended and type-approved solution for Gotonomi terminals, offering an IP67 rating for durability. For certain airframes, the Cobham LGA-3000 antenna is also a compatible option. The terminals are also fully compatible with ArduPilot, the open-source autopilot for UAVs.
Gotonomi terminals require an 18–36 V DC power supply. Power consumption is approximately 20 watts at maximum data rates, with peak loads of up to 40 watts. In most cases, an additional heatsink is required for proper operation.
The terminals have been type-approved for use on the Viasat L-band network, which is part of the Viasat Velaris service. Aviation safety communications operate on this same service, on a global coverage provided by six L-band satellites, with three additional I-8 satellites launching in the near future to further expand coverage.
Four tailored 12-month plans for Gotonomi terminals are available – 175MB, 500MB, 1GB and 2.5GB. Additional usage that exceeds the provided monthly allowance will be invoiced separately.
As well as data transfer, Gotonomi terminals can also support video streaming, e.g. via partner company Videosoft’s software. Speeds of up to 200kbps for both upload and download provide stable, long-range connectivity for data transmission beyond traditional line-of-sight methods.
Gotonomi terminals deliver global satellite coverage down to a 20° elevation. A collaboration with Viasat is in progress to enhance coverage to 5° elevation.
Both the Gotonomi terminals and the Viasat network encrypt data according to 3GPP standards during transmission. Data is then processed through secure, dedicated network infrastructure. Additionally, the terminal has passed security assessments and penetration tests by an external agency.
