The Vital Communications Evaluation – Hytera companions with D2N for real-time GPS monitoring at a significant rocket launch web site

dmr | 2022-01-28

D2N provided a multi-site Hytera XPT radio network with real-time GPS tracking over a large rocket launch site with difficult terrain for aerospace company Southern Launch in Australia.

Southern Launch is a rocket launch service provider based in Adelaide, South Australia. Its goal is to develop a space launch capability to send satellites into orbit from its Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The Company also has a suborbital test facility at the Koonibba Test Range.

To ensure smooth and secure operations, Southern Launch required a fully encrypted and mission-critical communications system that would also enable GPS tracking, recording of all calls, and broadcasting across a vast campus. Southern Launch also required high-speed 4K video streaming capabilities that could be reliably transmitted in real-time over the launch range networks.

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring GPS tracking would work across the complex site topography as the landscape is large, hilly and geographically challenging. Another challenge was that the repeater sites had to be designed so that they could be periodically installed and removed to match the missile launch schedule.

Southern Launch contacted several communications providers and decided that Hytera partner D2N Technology Solutions would propose the most appropriate solutions to meet the company’s unique and challenging needs. D2N first offered a multiple rental solution so Southern Launch could test the technology to see if it really met their needs.

Southern Launch was able to test the technology and coverage with and without the repeater. D2N worked with Southern Launch to ensure the correct accessory was selected, also given the high noise level during the launch process. The rental offer also meant the company didn’t have to make any major investments without testing the kit first, which it saw as a big bonus.

The solution proposed by D2N included a Hytera bi-directional DMR radio network consisting of three Hytera XPT (Extended Pseudo Trunking) repeater sites and Kiloview IP video encoders. Each XPT site operates two DMR RD982 repeaters with RFI combo and multi-coupling hardware, linked together via IP connectivity.

Shane Bennett, Southern Launch’s Mission Control Manager, commented, “D2N provided us with an efficient solution and we had never seen this type of video encoding kit before. That said, it worked perfectly and was very effective. The radio solution was developed by D2N to provide highly reliable communication across the entire site. This system provided the backbone for our security, range management and mission control and is critical for us to conduct safe launch operations.”

Ultimately, for Bennett, the real “wow” factor with the D2N communications solution is the value for money, as he explained: “We went back and forth for months discussing the cellular network and finally the Hytera kit superior to the competition in terms of price and feature set without sacrificing performance.”

D2N Managing Director Jason Owen said: “This is another example of how D2N focuses on solutions that are fit for purpose and not the most expensive. We want to build lasting relationships with our customers and not for a single sale, no matter the cost. The Hytera solution we provided to Southern Launch offers the same level of encryption and quality as many other Tier 1 manufacturers, but at a far more competitive price.”

According to Bennett, Southern Launch and D2N spent a lot of time discussing the requirements for the project and to ensure the equipment met Southern Launch’s requirements, D2N was able to provide initial rental equipment so they could test and ensure the technology that it meets your requirements.

Shane Bennett concludes: “Because D2N initially offered us a rental solution, we didn’t have to make a large investment without trying the kit – a huge bonus for us. The D2N communication solution met all of our needs and also freed up funds that would otherwise have been spent on more expensive brands. This financial benefit combined with the flexibility of their Hytera solution simply means we have the very best communications solution for our needs.”