Universal Signalling Ltd to lead Space Technology for Low-cost Rural Signalling collaboration | RailBusinessDaily
Universal Signalling Ltd has announced the launch of a new project, which will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail. The Universal Signalling Ltd has announced the launch of a new project, which will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail. The activity is part-funded by the European Space Agency BASS Program under the Space4Rail initiative and supported and endorsed by the UK Space Agency.
Universal Signalling Ltdhas announced the launch of a new project, which will be delivered in partnership with Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail. The activity is part-funded by theEuropean Space Agency BASS Programunder the Space4Rail initiative and supported and endorsed by the UK Space Agency. Space Technology for Low cost Rural Signalling (STeLoRS) will examine the feasibility of combining satellite technologies with Universal Signalling’s ultra-fast deployment ‘U-Cross’ system. The goal is to enable rapid deployment anywhere in the world, without dependence on terrestrial communications infrastructure. Advanced positioning technologies will enhance installation speed and accuracy. The work will also lay the groundwork to ensure a direct upgrade path to future railway signalling functions. This initiative responds to an identified need for resilient, flexible communications that can be deployed quickly in locations where fixed terrestrial networks are unavailable, disrupted, prohibitively complex, or too costly to deliver. Integrating satellite connectivity directly into Universal Signalling’s core architecture will enable secure, high‑performance communications that can be established at speed, independent of fibre, copper or mobile network availability, to enable SIL-rated safety functions to be delivered anywhere in the world, anytime. Led by Universal Signalling, the programme will focus on technical feasibility, system architecture and real‑world operability, and conclude with an end-to-end demonstration of the selected architecture. Whilst emphasis will be placed on how a satellite‑enabled U‑Cross could perform in real-world applications, the system is being engineered from the outset to align with future signalling and control system requirements. This includes exploring how it could provide a practical stepping stone towards more complex digital signalling functions up to SIL-4 – including issuing movement authorities, protecting trackside workers and more, in areas without terrestrial communication provision. Expert consultants will contribute knowledge of satellite communications and resilient communications design, working closely with Universal Signalling Ltd to assess integration approaches, performance characteristics and deployment models. Network Rail Scotland, as a potential future client for services, and ScotRail, as the operator, will provide critical operational insight and access to representative rail environments and expertise. The collaboration will assess scenarios ranging from temporary and remote deployments to resilience and contingency use cases, demonstrating how space technology could enable Universal Signalling’s ‘Signalling in days, not decades’ approach in areas without terrestrial connectivity. In parallel, the project will consider whether such an approach would need adaptations for use overseas. Lynsey Hunter, Regional Asset Manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re always looking at how we can improve the way we run and maintain the railway, and that includes taking the time to understand new and emerging technology. Projects like this helps us build a clearer picture of how different ideas might work in a real rail environment and informs thinking as we plan for the future of Scotland’s Railway. ”Alan Manclark, ScotRail Head of IT, said: “Scotland’s Railway has some of the most rural and remote routes in the UK, so finding innovative ways to improve resilience, support reliable operations, and enhance safety at level crossings is a key area of interest for ScotRail. “We’ve already been at the forefront of pioneering work to improve connectivity on rural routes, and this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to explore how more emerging technology could further strengthen the long-term sustainability and resilience of rail services serving remote communities. We’re pleased to support the project by providing our operational insight and expertise, helping assess how this technology could work in a live railway environment, and what benefits it could bring for our customers and the communities we serve. ”Mike Butler, Rail Communications Consultant, added: “Universal Signalling’s proposition is a genuine a gamechanger for the industry, so I am delighted to join this project. The potential benefits to the railway, both to the communities using it and those it passes through, are significant. LEO connectivity is an ideal, cost-effective solution to support this type of application. ”Dr Sam Bemment, Chief Innovation Officer at Universal Signalling Ltd, said: “Our U-Cross product, and our wider company proposition to be able to do signalling projects in days, not decades, is getting a lot of attention from railways all over the world. “To date, we’ve had great success piggybacking off existing and proven high-availability terrestrial communications networks thanks to our collaboration with Mobius Networks. However, we are aware a large portion of rural track miles worldwide are ‘dark’ to terrestrial communications. That includes many in Scotland. We are grateful to ESA in recognising the potential of our products and agreeing to support the work, and to Network Rail Scotland and Scotrail for their support. We are excited to get started: the prospect of truly universal signalling just moved another step closer. ”