This ESA-funded feasibility study explored advanced beam steering antenna technologies to significantly improve the communication capabilities of CubeSats operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). CubeSats, due to their compact form factor, are subject to severe size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, which pose unique challenges to achieving high-performance, reliable communication links. Addressing these limitations, the project investigated both passive and active beamforming strategies with a focus on system-level integration, power efficiency, and scalability. 

The exploitation of the wide bandwidth signals in the lower GNSS L-band is expected to be of interest for mass-market user equipment (UE) in order to improve significantly code-based position accuracy in location-based services.

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is a reasonable approach for future exploration missions to build structures on Moon or Mars with on-site resources such as regolith or Sulfur. Such structures can be habitats for astronauts, landing pads or spare parts needed during such missions. The idea is to save payload by using the regolith for radiation shielding, protection against micrometeorite impacts or similar applications.

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This project aimed to develop support for NanoXplore’s NG-Ultra architecture within the open-source place-and-route tool nextpnr, as an alternative to the proprietary Impulse tool. Extensive benchmarking showed that nextpnr’s performance is generally comparable to Impulse, though some areas need improvement. The results confirmed nextpnr’s capability to support large FPGAs and perform netlist transformations and placement optimizations. Future improvements may include support for high-speed I/O and SoC, and further placement optimizations.

The CLAIS project focuses on an air disinfection and treatment unit that enhances the cleanliness level of enclosed spaces beyond conventional filter systems. The device is designed to effectively remove fungi, viruses, bacteria, and odors from the air, achieving a purification level of 99.999% and beyond. It shall be installed as an extension of the ECLSS and significantly contributes to the health and well-being of the crew, diminishes the proliferation of unwanted microbial growth in sinks, and enables the extension of disinfection intervals for equipment