A8.2 - New LEO Satellite Connectivity Test for future Stratospheric Flights
- Event
- ETTC 2026 - European Test and Telemetry Conference
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11
Nuremberg - Chapter
- Hybrid / Remote Testing I
- Author(s)
- A. C. Valéro, B. C. Grégory - CNES, Toulouse (France), C. G. J. Marc - ATMOSPHERE SARL, Ramonville (France)
- Pages
- 134 - 139
- DOI
- 10.5162/ettc2026/A8.2
- Price
- free
Abstract
CNES Balloon Division has been developing and operating a wide range of stratospheric balloons for more than 60 years. This unique activity answers the needs of a broad user community including science institutions, governmental agencies, and aerospace industry. In the context of increased interest in stratospheric flight capability, CNES Balloon division is currently preparing a new generation of infrastructure to offer more flexible and safer flight options to end users. To this aim, CNES is evaluating and qualifying new technologies, including satellite communication, as offered by ATMOSPHERE. Amongst several options, CNES assessed the capability and benefit of new ATMOSPHERE’s PLANET Satcom product line, based on Iridium Certus ™ LEO satellite constellation. The activity, which covered vacuum chamber tests and functional performance tests, culminated with actual stratospheric flights performed from Timmins, Canada, in August 2025. The paper presents the achievements of the development and qualification programme of new satellite connectivity solution for future CNES Balloons infrastructure. It presents the performance achieved during on-ground and in-flight qualification tests, and discusses the potential exploitation of this reliable technology for future missions. Key words: LEO satellites, Telemetry and Telecommand (TM/TC), High Altitude Operations, Balloons