Detailed designs for the satellites are now being drafted, following the completion of a preliminary design review, conducted jointly with ESA and UK-based satellite manufacturer Clyde Space Ltd, part of the AAC Clyde Space Group.

The three-year xSPANCION project aims to develop an innovative satellite constellation that offers space data as a service to customers. The project is supported by the UK Space Agency, through ESA's Pioneer Partnership Projects.

Phase 2 of the project, which follows the successful preliminary design review, focuses on implementation. It involves detail design of the constellation, and development of digital production processes and constellation operations, together with licensing, regulation and launch service coordination to deliver a step-change in AAC Clyde Space’s capability as a space-mission provider. This phase of the work is due to be completed by the end of 2022.

AAC Clyde Space is currently in discussions with potential customers for data delivery from the service.

The dialogues are due to be completed before the start of the third and final phase of the project, which includes the manufacturing of ten novel spacecraft and the launch of four demonstration spacecraft. This Phase 3 is expected to begin during the first six months of 2022, with completion by the end of 2023.

The xSPANCION project is supported by the UK Space Agency through the ESA Pioneer Partnership Projects. It is structured as a public-private partnership between ESA and the UK Space Agency with AAC Clyde Space and its partners, Bright Ascension Ltd, the University of Strathclyde, D-Orbit UK, Alden Legal UK and the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Luis Gomes, chief executive of AAC Clyde Space, said: “xSPANCION promises to revolutionize our space data as a service offering with technology that will allow us to share significantly lower costs for space-based data with customers.

“We want the project to catalyse a new generation of applications not previously possible, appealing to both new and existing customers. The start of Phase 2 will ensure that we can continue the project at full speed.”

Elodie Viau, Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at ESA, said: “ESA's Pioneer programme provides innovators and entrepreneurs like AAC Clyde Space with the framework to develop new products and services in a cost-effective and agile way, creating jobs, boosting prosperity and supporting the success of the European space industry.”