Inmarsat Launches Velaris: Enabling the Full Potential of Uavs to Be Unlocked

UK based Inmarsat, a traditional satellite network provider, has launched the first ever global connectivity solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Velaris, the solution, is powered by Inmarsat’s ELERA satellite network which enables commercial UAVs to fly beyond the visual sight whilst offering operator access to key applications such as air traffic monitoring in real time, so that the safety of all commercial airspace users is ensured.

The ELERA networks is an opening for a variety of different routes for the use for UAVs, such as ocean monitoring, greener energy, and autonomous transport. Autonomous rail is a game changing method of moving both people and material across large distances without the use of a driver to control the train. ELERA will be able power the systems that will control the vehicles, which will be in charge of ensuring that cargo and people arrive in their destination.

Previously, UAVs had to be visible to their controllers to ensure that they could be monitored and controlled safely, creating huge restrictions for the UAV market. Velaris enables UAVs to be controlled and tracked even beyond the visual line of sight. The introduction of this service will enable possibilities such as sustainable aviation with green vehicle delivery of cargo, delivering medical aid to remote areas, conducting remote asset inspections, and reducing human risk due to automating processes.

Satellite is becoming a more affordable and attractive connectivity option for solution providers within the Internet of Things (IoT) space, especially for those focusing on earth monitoring and maritime tracking. Inmarsat’s newest solution, Velaris, opens the door for many other different opportunities, many of which would have been beneficial in the previous year fighting the pandemic. For instance, UAVs could have been used to disinfect the streets in large cities whilst the globe was in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The satellite market is becoming more and more competitive for the traditional and new market segments it offers connectivity for, but with this next step, satellite will become increasingly more attractive to solution providers.

Not only has Inmarsat launched this first global network, but they are also part of the UK Government funded Airspace of the Future group, which is focusing on the improvements being made to the vast UK transport ecosystem. The ability to manage and monitor UAV’s without being in the operator’s sights enables those operating them to set the UAV to a set route and plan, no matter the objective of the UAV. This also enables the controller to be more efficient with their time, therefore leading to the business operating the UAVs to have a higher productivity level from their staff.