Connectivity for scientific exploration at sea
This case study examines We Explore, an 18-metre racing catamaran built with sustainable materials including flax fibre and led by experienced sailor Roland Jourdain. The research vessel sailed to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice while conducting two scientific research initiatives. Eutelsat OneWeb, in partnership with the European Space Agency and technology partner Hughes, delivered LEO satellite connectivity that enabled real-time data collection and route optimisation beyond terrestrial network reach.
The Challenge – Uninterrupted Connectivity For Expeditions At Sea
Operating a scientific research vessel in remote ocean regions presents a distinct set of challenges. Once vessels leave their coastal waters, terrestrial networks become irrelevant; once at sea, legacy geostationary satellite systems struggle to deliver the data speeds and latency that modern maritime applications demand. Existing systems can be constrained by:
- Limited bandwidth, restricting real-time sensor data transmission
- Punishing latency—often exceeding 600 milliseconds—that undermines communications
- Unreliable transmission for continuous environmental sensor feeds
Persistent connectivity gaps can leave research teams at sea unable to share findings collaboratively, or communicate seamlessly, placing limitations on scientific inquiry and the value of connectivity for expeditions at sea.
The Need - Continuous Coverage In All Weathers
Roland Jourdain and his team aboard We Explore required research vessel connectivity that could keep pace with their dual mission: competitive sailing and environmental science. The project demanded:
- Real-time transmission of scientific instrument data for oceanographic and climate change research
- Reliable weather and sea condition updates to ensure crew safety and optimise navigation
- Seamless communication with shoreside research teams for better understanding of findings as they emerged at sea
Legacy satellite systems couldn't deliver the speed, responsiveness or global reach needed to support these simultaneous operational and scientific demands across remote ocean regions.
The Solution - Installation, Service And Communications Onboard
Eutelsat, in partnership with the European Space Agency and technology partner Hughes, delivered maritime connectivity through the OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation and its global network. The collaboration was enabled by ESA's Sunrise Partnership Project, designed to advance next-generation satellite communications and drive innovative solutions for global connectivity challenges.
The deployment provided:
- High-speed, low-latency broadband via the OneWeb LEO constellation, supporting real-time scientific data sharing
- Reliable connectivity for both environmental research initiatives and vessel route optimisation
- Seamless integration with onboard systems, creating an easy-to-access network available to everyone
- Enterprise-grade performance through Eutelsat's maritime satellite connectivity services
The Impact
We Explore maintained seamless connectivity throughout its transatlantic voyage to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, demonstrating the tangible value of LEO satellite technology for scientific missions at sea. The system enabled real-time data transmission from two onboard research initiatives, supporting better decision-making by researchers and conference delegates alike.
Key outcomes included:
- Uninterrupted connectivity across remote ocean regions
- Real-time transmission of environmental research data to shore-based teams
- Improved safety through live weather updates and sea condition monitoring
- Successful arrival and participation at the UN Ocean Conference (9–13 June 2025)
The catamaran served as a platform for dialogue throughout the conference, showcasing how reliable connectivity transforms ocean research from isolated data collection into collaborative, real-time science. For more resources on satellite connectivity solutions, visit the Eutelsat Media Centre.