ESA, through its European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics) to build a large CubeSat platform for its in-orbit demonstration/in-orbit validation (IOD/IOV) program.

Under the project name IHE1-5 CubeSat, NanoAvionics will build a 12 to 16U IOD/IOV spacecraft. In particular, the company will be responsible for the design, assembly, integration, testing, ground segment, and operations of the satellite. The spacecraft will house various payloads from European entities to be demonstrated and validated in orbit.

ESA has already pre-selected eight potential payloads from more than 50 potential candidates for this mission. The final selection of the IOD/IOV experiments will be completed after the system definition review during the coming months.

IOD/IOV is a European Union program, entrusted to the European Space Agency, and part of the Horizon Europe Work Programs and will demonstrate innovative technologies and operational concepts to foster the use of space data for scientific, public, or commercial purposes, as a final step before bringing them to market.

While the launch date and launch provider have not been announced as of this information release, the satellite is confirmed to be sent into orbit through the European Flight Ticket Initiative, using exclusively European-manufactured launch vehicles.

Patrice Kerhousse, IOD/IOV Program Manager for ESA, said, “There are many European entities that have the potential to become key actors in their technology domains and strengthen European supply chains. Supporting them by accommodating their experiments on a platform, gaining flight heritage, and building confidence with potential customers and investors is a great way for ESA to support the European space sector. ESA trusts Kongsberg NanoAvionics’ capability to timely provide this accommodation service to them.”

Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, said, “The IOD/IOV program is a key instrument of the European Commission. This mission reflects the value of close collaboration between ESA and European industry in advancing new capabilities both in orbit and in the market. NanoAvionics has a strong track record of supporting international organizations in demonstrating their technology and business cases in space, and helping them transition to commercial in-orbit operations by providing reliable satellite platforms. Being entrusted by ESA with this latest mission to help strengthen the competitiveness of the European space industry further affirms our capabilities, experience, and orbital success rate.”