Credit: Pixabay/CC0 public domainFriday's launch of the world's first fully reprogrammable commercial satellite was made from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. This marks the dawning of a new era in flexible communications.The Eutelsat Quantum is a different model than conventional models, which are "hard-wired" to Earth and can't be reused once they reach orbit. It allows users to adjust the communication to their specific needs almost in real time.After the launch, the satellite will be put into orbit within 36 minutes.The European Space Agency claims that the Quantum can be programmed from its fixed orbit 35,000 km (22,000 miles) above Earth. This allows it to respond to changing data transmission requirements and secure communications over its 15-year lifespan.Eight communication beams are included in the Quantum model, which weighs 3.5 tons. Each beam can be adjusted to alter its coverage area and the power of the telecommunications signals it emits.These changes can be made using software provided to customers, according to Eutelsat.The satellite can also be used to provide mobile coverage of moving objects, such as planes or oceangoing vessels, or after a natural catastrophe or other one-off events.At a time when digital security is becoming a concern as well as space weaponisation, Quantum can pinpoint the source of signals that were emitted with malicious intent or not and take appropriate action to correct the problem.The Quantum will be covering a vast area between West Africa and Asia for 15 years.2021 AFP
