Connectivity for scientific exploration at sea

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What connectivity challenges do research vessels face at sea?

Research vessels operating in remote ocean regions confront significant connectivity barriers. Terrestrial networks are out of reach beyond coastal waters, while legacy satellite systems suffer from limited bandwidth, high latency and intermittent coverage that cannot support the demands of modern scientific data transmission. Real-time instrument telemetry, high-resolution sensor feeds and video streaming for shore-based collaboration require robust, low-latency links—capabilities that traditional GEO-only systems struggle to deliver consistently across the ocean system.

How does LEO satellite connectivity support scientific research at sea?

Low Earth orbit satellites orbit at approximately 1,200 kilometres above Earth, delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband that transforms scientific workflows at sea. This enables research teams to share real-time data with shore-based laboratories, stream live video from autonomous instruments, access up-to-date weather monitoring systems and maintain reliable crew communication for welfare and collaboration. A satellite communication device connected to a LEO constellation ensures that scientists can respond quickly to emerging findings, adjust experiments in real time and maintain continuous contact with research institutions—all critical for maximising the value of expensive ocean expeditions.

Why is backup connectivity important for ocean research missions?

Mission continuity depends on uninterrupted communication links. A single point of failure in satellite connectivity can jeopardise data collection, compromise crew safety and disrupt coordination with shore teams during critical research windows. Backup connectivity protects against hardware malfunctions, satellite handoff gaps and adverse weather conditions that may degrade primary links. For research programmes investing significant efforts and resources into ocean exploration, redundant systems provide essential insurance—ensuring that valuable scientific data reaches shore securely and that emergency communications remain available throughout the voyage.

How did Eutelsat support the We Explore catamaran mission?

Eutelsat partnered with the European Space Agency and technology provider Hughes to deliver maritime connectivity for the We Explore catamaran—a sustainable racing vessel built with flax fibre and led by experienced sailor Roland Jourdain. The deployment utilised Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO constellation to provide seamless, high-performance connectivity throughout the catamaran's voyage to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. This real-world study demonstrated how LEO satellite technology enables safer navigation, route optimisation and continuous data transmission for two onboard scientific research initiatives, proving that space infrastructure can empower sustainable exploration and advance scientific progress at sea.

What should organisations consider when choosing maritime connectivity for scientific exploration?

Selecting the right maritime connectivity solution requires careful evaluation of several factors. Coverage must extend across intended research zones, including polar and mid-ocean regions where legacy systems often fail. Latency and throughput should support real-time data work and remote collaboration without bottlenecks. Reliability backed by robust service-level agreements ensures mission-critical operations continue uninterrupted. Scalability allows bandwidth to flex with varying research demands, while responsive 24/7 support provides rapid incident resolution. Organisations should also assess security provisions, backup options and the provider's track record in supporting scientific missions—all essential for maintaining productive research operations throughout extended ocean voyages.