AI for Optimal Resource Allocation for GOVSATCOM services (AI-GOVSATCOM)
Main/Objectives
The AI-GOVSATCOM project has as its main objective the design, implementation, and validation of an AI-powered predictive model that optimizes bandwidth allocation in Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) services. The project proposes a paradigm shift from traditional, static resource allocation strategies toward data-driven, adaptive bandwidth management, enabling satellite operators to anticipate demand patterns and act proactively.
AI-GOVSATCOM responds to the growing need for flexible, efficient, and secure use of satellite resources, particularly in mission-critical operations involving civil protection, humanitarian aid, diplomatic services, and EU institutional communications. By introducing time series forecasting based on cutting-edge AI techniques, the project aims to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service reliability under uncertain and dynamic traffic conditions. To realize this vision, the project delivers a complete, self-contained technical baseline for GOVSATCOM traffic forecasting.
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To achieve this goal, AI-GOVSATCOM will pursue the following specific objectives:
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[O.1 – Transforming Static Operations] Replace static, pre-assigned bandwidth allocation with a demand-driven, real-time adaptive system, capable of anticipating traffic surges and dynamically adjusting capacity.
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[O.2 – Boosting Efficiency & Reducing OPEX] Ensure optimal utilization of satellite resources through forecast-informed planning, minimizing bandwidth over-provisioning and reducing operational expenditures (OPEX), without compromising service quality.
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[O.3 – Proactive Decision-Making] Leverage advanced AI models, including probabilistic forecasting and Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs), to accurately predict traffic variations and inform resource allocation strategies in both GEO and LEO contexts.
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[O.4 – Benchmarking & Technical Specification] Establish a comprehensive benchmark and gap analysis comparing current GOVSATCOM bandwidth practices with predictive alternatives and deliver a finalised technical specification to guide future developments.
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[O.5 – Empowering Stakeholders] Provide satellite operators with actionable insights and decision-support tools to improve operational planning and enhance service reliability for governmental and humanitarian missions.
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[O.6 – Secure and Ethical Data Handling] Guarantee robust data protection through security risk assessment, anonymization protocols, and the use of synthetic datasets to support privacy-compliant model development and testing.
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[O.7 – Pushing AI SatCom Innovation] Promote the adoption of AI-based forecasting in the satellite domain by demonstrating performance improvements and aligning with ESA’s GOVSATCOM objectives and future architectures.

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To achieve this goal, AI-GOVSATCOM will pursue the following specific objectives:
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WP1000 – State-of-the-art revision, gap analysis and finalized technical specs: focuses on surveying current forecasting methods, identifying gaps, benchmarking potential solutions, and producing a detailed technical specification and verification plan for GOVSATCOM use cases.
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WP2000 – Proof-of-concept for the selected technical solutions: explores and compares different forecasting models (including KANs and probabilistic approaches), quantifying their expected performance, feasibility, and compliance, and defining preliminary proof-of-concept prototypes.
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WP3000 – Verification of Proof-of-Concepts: performs the technical validation of the most promising forecasting solutions, ensuring their ability to meet GOVSATCOM constraints via updated designs and compliance assessments.
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WP4000 – Verification and implementation plan for the demonstrator: translates the validated solutions into a deployable, containerized solution, producing a complete implementation and verification plan for the demonstrator, including software modularity, testing, and execution strategy.
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WP5000 – Implementation and Verification of compliance: involves the practical deployment of all selected solutions and demonstrator modules, running tests, analyzing results, and producing updated performance assessments, prediction consistency evaluations, and user documentation.
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WP6000 – Commercial Exploitation Assessment: conducts a final technology evaluation, defines the development roadmap, and outlines steps for the commercial adoption of the forecasting system, including TRL analysis and long-term applicability.
| Start: | 02 January 2025 |
| End: | 30 June 2026 |
| Funding: | European Space Agency (ESA) industrial contract |
| Call ID: | AI for optimal resource allocation for GOVSATCOM services (GSHE-1) |

