• AccelerComm has completed the digital beamformer concept and modem architecture for Eclipse Space’s combined direct-to-device and broadband satellite platform
  • Eclipse will use the specifications to develop the payload for a demonstration mission planned for 2027

The fact

AccelerComm has completed two engineering projects for Eclipse Space covering the physical-layer design of its next-generation satellites. The work produced a digital beamformer concept and modem architecture for a common spacecraft platform designed to support both direct-to-device and broadband services.

AccelerComm is a UK communications technology company specialising in Layer 1 signal processing. Eclipse Space, founded by former Starlink programme employees, is developing customer-owned satellite constellations for governments and businesses. The modem design combines AccelerComm technology with software from other suppliers and is intended to support 3GPP-aligned Narrowband NTN and 5G New Radio NTN services. Eclipse will use the resulting specifications as it develops the payload for a demonstration mission planned for 2027.

The assessment

AccelerComm’s work gives Eclipse a physical-layer design for supporting direct-to-device and broadband services through one spacecraft platform. Its value lies in providing a common foundation for both service models, rather than in the beamformer or modem design alone. During payload development, Eclipse must convert those specifications into hardware and software interfaces, integrate components from its suppliers and show that the same platform can support links to standard mobile handsets as well as broadband traffic.

The common-platform design has not yet been validated as an integrated satellite system. Eclipse has not published ground-test results, payload capacity or expected in-orbit performance, so it remains unclear whether both services can operate together as intended. For BTW readers, the 2027 demonstrator will test whether Eclipse can integrate the Layer 1 design into a single standards-aligned platform supporting both connectivity models.

What to watch

Watch for payload integration, ground-test results and specifications for the 2027 demonstrator. Evidence that the beamformer and modem can operate together while supporting Narrowband NTN and 5G NR NTN would show whether the design is ready to progress from engineering work to flight hardware.