Gotonomi UAV satellite terminals support ESA Iris RPAS trial for safe BVLOS operations

Thurs, Jun 11, 2026 09:25 CET

ESA Iris RPAS flight trial demonstrates how Gotonomi satellite terminal technology can support safe, resilient BVLOS uncrewed aviation.

Gotonomi UAV satellite terminal technology has supported the latest ESA Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial, delivered by Viasat, Frequentis and TTP under the European Space Agency’s Iris programme. The activity helps build real-world evidence for how resilient communications can enable safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aviation in managed airspace.

The demonstration examined how satellite and multi-link communications can support interaction between uncrewed aircraft, remote operators and airspace management systems. It focused on the connectivity requirements for BVLOS operations in complex and remote environments, where safe flight depends on trusted communications rather than direct line-of-sight control.

Building evidence for BVLOS in managed airspace

BVLOS operation is expected to unlock new possibilities for uncrewed aircraft across inspection, cargo, emergency response, environmental monitoring, security and other applications. To move safely into shared airspace, UAVs need reliable command and control links, resilient data pathways, and trusted information exchange with traffic management systems.

The latest Iris RPAS trial explored these requirements under real flight conditions, observing how connectivity behaves in practice and how it can support Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) interaction. This is particularly important as UAV operations move from contained test environments towards more routine missions in non-segregated airspace.

By combining satellite communications, emerging network technologies and airspace integration expertise, the activity contributes to the evidence base needed by operators, regulators and airspace stakeholders as BVLOS operations continue to mature.

The role of Gotonomi UAV satellite terminals

Gotonomi provides compact satellite communication terminals for UAV applications, designed to support always-available communications for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles.

Operating on the Viasat Velaris L-band service, Gotonomi terminals combine satellite connectivity, LTE, onboard computing and GNSS positioning to support resilient command and control links for UAVs operating beyond visual line of sight.

This capability is particularly important for missions in remote or infrastructure-poor environments, where terrestrial networks may not provide the coverage, resilience or continuity needed for safety-critical UAV operations. For operators, resilient connectivity can help maintain situational awareness, support decision-making and provide confidence that aircraft can remain connected throughout the mission.

Gotonomi UAV terminals make resilient connectivity accessible and practical for real-world operations, enabling commercial-scale BVLOS operations.

Supporting the future of uncrewed aviation

The Iris RPAS programme continues to explore the communications, operational and airspace integration capabilities needed to enable safe BVLOS operations within managed airspace.

For Gotonomi, the trial acted as independent verification of the terminal and network’s performance and how integration into UTM systems will help UAV operators conduct more complex missions safely and reliably. It also reinforces the value of collaboration across the aviation, satellite communications and air traffic management communities.

As uncrewed aviation moves towards more demanding and safety-critical applications, always-available connectivity will be central to continuity of command and control, trusted information exchange with traffic management systems, and wider confidence in BVLOS operations.

Read the original Viasat announcement here: Viasat partners on Beyond Visual Line of Sight demonstration

Gotonomi UAV satellite terminals support ESA Iris RPAS trial for safe BVLOS operations

Building evidence for BVLOS in managed airspace

The role of Gotonomi UAV satellite terminals

Supporting the future of uncrewed aviation

Further reading