The aim of the SATURN project was to de-risk the design of an innovative maritime user terminal and to develop a proof of concept maritime user terminal able to manage broadcast services (such as Radio and TV) and geo-referenced information (e.g. weather forecasts, security information) provided by DVB-SH (Digital Video Broadcasting-Satellite Handheld) direct channel and interactive services through the ETSI S-MIM (S-band Mobile Interactive Multimedia) return channel using return channel on S-Band.
The SATURN terminal is the first and unique solution proving a half duplex satellite S-Band communication in the maritime context.
The main features of the SATURN terminal are:
- half-duplex satellite communication in S-band
- a half-duplex single antenna (Receiving / Transmitting), which is more compact and easy to install even on smaller vessels than conventional satellite antennas in C or Ku band.
- full interoperability with maritime plotters and personal devices such as smartphones, PCs, Tablets, etc.
- an intuitive web interface to easily manage audio / video streaming and interactive services.
- the possibility to request and receive complete weather forecasts in real time, via continuous access to weather, wind, wave and other useful information while sailing, so as to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
- distress alerts and messages compatible with the AIS system can be sent.
- receiving audio / video streaming even in the open sea
- it is multimedia
- ts attractive price
In the current market there are specific devices suitable for small boats and which can provide some of these features, such as DVB-T receivers or external modules for weather information but they are of no use when far from the shore. Other solutions based on C-band or Ku-band terminals are more suitable for bigger boats with bigger budgets and no interactive services are available.
The SATURN terminal allows to receive contents while travelling, such as the forecast for a specific area on request, to download map updates on request, to rent a berth in a port, to receive television channels, to download and pay for premium contents. In addition it can be easily fitted on small boats and can be used as a traditional plotter (eg a satellite navigator). In short, with one single terminal, the user has access to a myriad of services anywhere at sea.