Advanced Communications: global connectivity and security across the invisible spectrum

In today’s environment, connectivity is no longer a luxury; it has become critical infrastructure. Whether coordinating drones during a rescue mission, managing a smart power grid or enabling maritime surveillance applications through satellites in low Earth orbit, the robustness of data links is essential.

Communications have been at the technological core of Gradiant since its foundation, with more than 15 years of experience in communications systems design, signal intelligence, and mobile networks. Today, we’re highlighting some of the capabilities and developments we’ll be showcasing at New Space 2026, the event bringing together the space sector’s innovation ecosystem in Vigo.

Bridging Earth and space: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

For most people, mobile coverage usually depends on nearby towers and antennas, such as those installed on the rooftops of some buildings. But what happens in the middle of the ocean, or in an area affected by a disaster such as an earthquake?

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) make it possible to integrate satellite communications into the 5G and 6G networks we use. This enables the creation of a hybrid system in which satellites act as mobile towers in space, helping ensure that devices remain connected regardless of what happens on the ground.

We are also advancing Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) technology. Imagine a system that, while transmitting data, can simultaneously operate as a radar or as a localisation and positioning system. This makes infrastructure much smarter. For example, ships themselves could map maritime traffic while receiving broadband connectivity from a satellite, all using a single piece of equipment—reducing both weight and costs.

However, for these communications to operate efficiently, it is also essential to understand what is happening across the radio spectrum. In an environment where an increasing number of devices, networks and signals coexist, detecting interference, identifying anomalies and recognising emissions that could affect communications is becoming increasingly important. Spectrum monitoring and signal processing techniques, complemented by AI, make it possible to analyse the spectrum directly and extract valuable information from it.

Monitoring the “silent battlefield”: Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

The radio spectrum, the range of frequencies used to transmit wireless signals, is an essential resource for communications and needs to be protected. This is where Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) comes into play: if communications are speech, SIGINT can be thought of as the sense of hearing.

These technologies make it possible to detect, identify and locate emissions across the spectrum, even when many signals coexist within the same area or when interference is present.

Investing in these capabilities is therefore strategic both for civil security and for defence. In practical terms, these technologies can enhance situational awareness in several ways:

• Detecting interference and unauthorised use: rapidly identifying signals that could affect critical services or infrastructure.
• Determining where a signal comes from: combining signal processing with artificial intelligence to locate emissions and gain a better understanding of what is happening in the surrounding environment.
• Simplifying spectrum monitoring: using portable solutions capable of automatically classifying signals and identifying interference, even for non-specialist users.

These capabilities make SIGINT a dual-use discipline, supporting the detection and anticipation of threats in an increasingly contested electromagnetic domain.

Together, these technologies help protect essential services and make more efficient use of a limited resource: the radio spectrum. Spectrum optimisation and the development of secure, efficient communications are also key to reducing technological dependencies and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. In this field, Gradiant’s technical expertise is driving the development of advanced solutions to address the challenges of an environment that is increasingly dependent on wireless communications.