OneSat

OneSat is a next-generation geostationary (GEO) telecommunications satellite developed by Airbus. Unlike older, hard-wired spacecraft designed for a single, fixed mission, OneSat is a fully software-defined satellite (SDS). 

Operating at 36,000 kilometres above the Earth, it uses a standardised, modular architecture that allows operators to completely reprogramme and reconfigure its entire payload from the ground while it is active in space. Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as the French Space Agency (CNES), the UK Space Agency, the German Space Agency (DLR) and Spain Space Agency (AEE), OneSat represents a disruptive evolution in global satellite connectivity.

The Airbus OneSat platform operates across Ku-band and Ka-band for users missions and Q-band and V-band frequencies for gateway data transfer, the industry standards for high-capacity global communications. 

Because the satellite is entirely software-defined, operators do not have to pick a single fixed configuration. They can dynamically manage and split these frequencies from the ground based on market needs:

• Ka-Band: Optimised for ultra-high-speed consumer broadband, 5G connectivity, and cellular data networks.
• Ku-Band: Ideal for high-reliability mobile services, such as commercial in-flight Wi-Fi, maritime shipping communications, and secure government connectivity.

Traditional telecommunications satellites are custom-built for a single, unalterable  mission. Once launched into geostationary orbit, their coverage areas and frequencies are "locked in" for 15-year lifespan. 

OneSat represents a paradigm shift as a software-defined satellite (SDS), its configuration can be reprogrammed while in-orbit, adjusting its coverage, capacity and frequency ‘on the fly’ to meet evolving mission scenarios. 

It gives operators control to meet evolution of the mission. While in orbit, OneSat can modify three core performance capabilities:

• Reshape coverage beams: alter direction of its signal to track specific high-traffic areas  on a specific city or a busy shipping lane.
• Modify frequencies: adjust radio frequencies to bypass local signal interference or comply with changing regional regulations.
• Reallocate capacity: If a major event creates a sudden spike in data demand, the satellite can "beam" extra power to that exact location.

Because OneSat is highly efficient and flexible, it significantly lowers the "cost per bit" of data. This makes it much more affordable for operators to provide high-speed internet to remote villages, schools, and hospitals that are currently offline. OneSat can be moved or reconfigured to serve different regions as connectivity needs grow.

As the telecommunications market shifts toward software-defined infrastructure, OneSat is setting the new industry standard for flexible, geostationary satellite design.  It has been selected by major international operators including SES, Viasat, Thaicom, and most recently for OmanSat-1. 

Absolutely. While it is a powerhouse for broadband and 5G connectivity, its flexibility makes it ideal for:

• In-Flight Connectivity (IFC): Keeping passengers connected on planes across oceans.
• Maritime services: Providing reliable data for cargo ships and cruise liners.
• Government & Defence: Allowing secure, reconfigurable communications for humanitarian or national security missions.