Archives for October 2021

Orbital Micro Systems (OMS) has entered into a formal agreement with Thomas Keating Ltd., a UK-based THz technology firm, to advance the development of millimeter-wave instruments for deployment in OMS’ Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) constellation of cubesats. As a part of the agreement, the companies will jointly fund related design, development, and test activities, leveraging the satellite technologies expertise of each firm.

Thomas Keating has a strong success record in the last 30 years in manufacturing and testing of quasi-optical antennas for science and weather forecasting missions. Based in Billinghurst, England, the company works with customers across the space, aviation and materials management industries.

OMS launched the first commercial microwave radiometer weather mission into orbit in 2019 and is leveraging its experience to expand the capabilities and precision of its current generation of instruments and satellites. As a result of its collaboration with Thomas Keating, OMS expects to provide unique, highly localized Earth Observation (EO) data that will enhance real-time weather forecasting. As commercially focused space markets continue to emerge, the companies are committed to dramatically increasing the accessibility and availability of timely all-weather earth observation data for commercial and government use.

Being readied for launch in early 2022, the next GEMS2 satellites carry state-of-the-art microwave radiometers designed and manufactured by OMS with support from the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Lockheed Martin, and the UK Space Agency to gather temperature, humidity, and precipitation data across 24 sounding and imaging channels at 118 and 183 GHz. These uniquely capable instruments measure vertical temperature, humidity, and precipitation profiles 24/7 in nearly all weather conditions regardless of day or night. The sensor produces a cross-track scanned 2000-kilometer-wide swath as each satellite orbits the Earth.

“OMS worked with Thomas Keating to develop a hardware solution for our first GEMS payload and the collaboration just grew from there. We are really excited to formalize and strengthen ties with this market leader as we move forward with the GEMS commercial weather and climate monitoring constellation,” said Michael Hurowitz, chief executive officer of OMS. “We anticipate that this partnership will help streamline the design-to-launch process and bring us closer to our goal of gathering and disseminating weather and climate observations for any point on the globe in fifteen-minute intervals.”

“Our two organizations are well-matched to help shape the growing space-enabled weather forecasting marketplace,” said Dr. Richard Wylde, managing director of Thomas Keating. “The move toward lower-cost satellite platforms utilizing precision instrumentation that can cost-effectively increase observation-revisits and data integrity will fuel a data-starved market.”

AAC Clyde Space has been selected by OHB Sweden to deliver core avionics worth approximately 797 kEUR Kilo Euros — approx. 8.2 MSEK) to ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite — the order has been preceded by a tightening of the original requirements of the systems.

OHB Sweden is the mission prime contractor for the Arctic Weather Satellite, providing the satellite platform and system integration. AAC Clyde Space has been contracted to deliver the Starbuck power system, with mission specific customization. An engineering model is to be delivered in Q1, 2022, and a flight model in Q4, 2022.

AAC Clyde Space announced on March 16, 2021, that it was intended as a supplier of the Sirius command and data handling units and the Starbuck power system to the Arctic Weather Satellite given a successful qualification. Final requirements, functionality and qualification of the Sirius command and data handling units are not yet completed. Omnisys Instruments, a recent addition to the AAC Group, has been selected to supply weather sensors to the project.

ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite is an initial prototype mission that aims to demonstrate the usefulness of radiometric measurements to improve weather forecasts in the Arctic region and globally. The final solution would involve a full constellation of satellites to provide more frequent measurement, something that cannot be achieved by the larger geostationary satellites already in use to depict the areas.

“Arctic Weather Satellite has become a flagship project for us who chart an exciting development path by combining Omnisys weather sensors with our classic core avionics. We are proud to be able to take such a central role in this project,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO, Luis Gomes.

Phantom Space Corporation, a space transportation technology development and manufacturing company, has signed an agreement with Ingenu, provider of one of the leading Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology platforms.

The agreement includes the production, manufacturing and launch of a 72 satellite constellation (AFNIO) that Ingenu will be utilizing to host their RPMA® IIoT payloads. This will allow Ingenu to offer full end-to-end solutions anywhere on earth. AFNIO will focus initially on end-to-end solutions for Smart Grid, Smart Factory, Smart Agriculture, Smart Cities, Oil & Gas, Mining, Asset Tracking and Logistics. Phantom will be responsible for developing the spacecraft buses, system integration and launch of all 72 spacecraft. The majority of the satellites are expected to launch on Phantom’s Daytona launch vehicle set to first launch in 2023.

Ingenu developed and owns a long-range, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology for the Internet of Things. Using its award-winning Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA®) technology, it has been deployed in more than 50 terrestrial networks over the past ten years, on 5 continents. Ingenu will bring its technology and expertise to develop the world’s largest space IIoT network dedicated to connectivity for machines. Operating on universal unlicensed spectrum, the company’s RPMA® technology is a proven standard for connecting IIoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) sensors around the world and this project will allow RPMA® enabled end point sensors the ability to communicate directly with the satellites, also known as the Low Power-Satellite to Sensor (LP-S2S), anywhere in the world.

Ingenu’s AFNIO Network will act as the world’s first space-based public network designed exclusively for M2M communications. It is designed and optimized for deeper and wider coverage, network longevity, and full-featured value. Ingenu’s AFNIO Satellite Constellation will have further reach, global range and longer lasting battery life than any existing network. It’s robust, best-in-class technology is also future-proof – enabling technology solution providers to maximize their product’s efficiency and longevity, with unparalleled control and visibility. Furthermore, it was designed from the ground up to meet the 100% data transmission acknowledgment required for each sensor, necessary for serious IIoT machine connectivity and solutions.

“Ingenu prides themselves on turning disruptive innovation into practical application, and we’re excited to help them achieve this,” said Jim Cantrell, Co-Founder and CEO of Phantom Space. “We build satellites, launchers, and implement space technology applications because we want to lower the barriers to new commercial applications in space. By working with a company like Ingenu, we are partnering to deliver Ingenu’s value into a space platform where it can have a worldwide impact on their customers. This partnership brings both of us closer to our goal of providing the much-needed disruptive benefits of space technology directly to the consumer.”

“We are excited to partner with Phantom because their cutting-edge technology and manufacturing methods enable us to move full steam ahead on this front in a rapid and cost-effective manner. We’ll be able to build and operate a system of satellites that makes it possible for us to offer people full end-to-end solutions anywhere on earth and complement existing customers’ terrestrial networks. Nothing of the sort has ever been done up until now,” said Alvaro Gazzolo, CEO of Ingenu. “The AFNIO Satellite Constellation will be complemented by the new RPMA® communications module, a System on a Chip (SoC), which will cut in half the cost of the legacy RPMA® communications module. This will allow Ingenu and its partners to concentrate on solutions with minimal capital investment to customers and provide faster time to market, anywhere in the world.”

Phantom Space Phantom Space Corporation is a space technology and transportation company lowering space access barriers through mass manufacturing of launch vehicles, satellites, and space applications. Phantom’s vision is to become the “Henry Ford of Space Transportation” through the opportunity to mass manufacture or both rockets and satellites, aiming to launch 100s of rockets per year. A 100% US controlled and operated enterprise, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with multiple launch operations centers. Founded by Jim Cantrell, Mike D’Angelo, and Michal Prywata. Learn more at https://www.phantomspace.com/.

Ingenu has developed the best IIoT connectivity platform in the market today. Operating on universal spectrum, the company’s RPMA® technology is a proven standard for connecting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices across the globe. Ingenu’s technology uniquely achieves the connectivity cost for many billions of devices, providing valuable intelligence for businesses. Information about Ingenu can be found at www.ingenu.com, or contact William Schmidt at wschmidt@ingenu.com.

Space Forge is engaged in the clean industrial revolution by harnessing the power of space — along with partners, Space Forge is developing a world-first service that incorporates both launch and a returnable satellite – the ForgeStar – that can be deployed from conventional launchers to provide rapid, reliable and reusable in-space infrastructure.

Space Forge has been awarded a two-year contract, through the European Space Agency’s Boost! Commercial Space Transportation Services Program, worth 2 million euros – covering the preliminary and detailed design phases, as well as the launch, on-orbit operation and return of the first operational ForgeStar demonstration vehicle.

The current market demand for microgravity as a service, which has the potential to decrease energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by manufacturing high-performance products impossible to produce on Earth, is in excess of half a billion per year – yet cannot be supported with current offerings. Having identified the key barriers to this market – namely: no dedicated platform, no soft return and a heavy reliance on the International Space Station – the solution developed by the consortium is a low-cost, independent, reusable space vehicle able to perform scalable in-orbit manufacturing.

Space Forge’s microgravity return vehicle, the ForgeStar Orbital Vehicle 1 (FSOV-1), is a flexible. modular. smallsat that consists of the orbital module and an interchangeable microgravity capsule, to enable reliable, safe and predictable return to Earth. The innovation in this smallsat is the ability to return from space using a non-ablative technology, thereby significantly reducing the landing impact and enabling vehicle refurbishment and re-launch.

In creating a reliable return, Space Forge will advance the expansion of the microgravity market for premium research and development applications by lowering the barriers to entry. The company is focused on R&D initiatives where dedicated return from the space environment can add a significant benefit, or overcome obstacles found terrestrially, to unlock new value and innovation. Identified markets with a history of in-space research for this purpose include the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.

The ability to return from space has changed little since the 1960s, with the costs remaining extremely high and the opportunities to return few and far between. The ESA funding will significantly accelerate Space Forge’s development of a sustainable return from space. FSOV-1 is scheduled for launch in 2022, and will test multiple critical subsystems including return to earth technology and tracking software.

Space Forge are working with key partners from across the industry, drawing upon existing infrastructures and expertise to develop this comprehensive scalable solution. The consortium includes AAC Clyde Space, Goonhilly Earth Station, NORSS, Satellite Applications Catapult and STFC.

An introductory animation is available at this direct link…

Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge, said, “We’re thrilled to receive this support for the ForgeStar platform. Sustainable return from space can unlock commercial opportunities not otherwise possible, and leverage Low Earth Orbit as a resource in a similar way to how reductions in launch prices have democratized access to space. “Space Forge is uniquely positioned to multiply the value of microgravity research coupled with dedicated return and we cannot wait to see the positive impact this will have on commercial space.”

Jorgen Bru, ESA’s Commercial Services Manager and Technical Officer for the contract, said, “Space Forge has raised private funding, identified niche markets and strengthened its core team and industrial organization to bring these novel reentry and recovery technologies to life. ESA is delighted to support Space Forge in its endeavor to prepare this service for the market.”

UK Space Agency Chief Executive, Dr. Paul Bate, added “This success for Space Forge shows how UK firms are at the forefront of the global space industry.”

“The substantial funding support we are delivering to our growing space sector, alongside our world-leading regulatory regime and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring to communities across the four nations,” Economy Minister for Wales, Vaughan Gething, said. “This world-first operation has the potential to revolutionise space capabilities which have remained unchanged for decades. Space Forge is a real Welsh success story and continues to develop ground-breaking new technologies grounded in sustainability. Its pioneering brilliance is warmly welcomed amid our efforts to deliver a greener Wales for the future, and I am delighted Space Forge has been able to access funding from the Welsh Government and the Development Bank for Wales.”

AAC Clyde Space has been selected to deliver the Sirius Command and Data Handling system to a new client.

AAC will provide a standardized system as qualification model in Q2 2022 in a contract valued at 320,000 euros.

The qualification unit will fully reflect all aspects of the flight model design and is used for complete functional and environmental qualification testing.

“Our Sirius range has become a standard product used in a wide range of space missions, appreciated for its high performance and reliability. The long heritage from space flight enables us to deliver standardized systems of the quality necessary to succeed in even the most advanced space missions,” said AAC Clyde Space CEO, Luis Gomes.