Omega Propulsion Service Enhances Satellite Operations

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 02 August 2024 16:52

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Paris, France (SPX) Aug 02, 2024

The Omega service allows customers to purchase and integrate ready-to-use propulsion systems for their satellites, offering comprehensive support from launch to end-of-life deorbiting. This turnkey service enables customers to utilize Omega throughout a satellite's entire lifecycle, including deployment and collision avoidance. "We are very impressed with what is being developed by the thr

Omega Propulsion Service Enhances Satellite Operations
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Aug 02, 2024

The Omega service allows customers to purchase and integrate ready-to-use propulsion systems for their satellites, offering comprehensive support from launch to end-of-life deorbiting. This turnkey service enables customers to utilize Omega throughout a satellite's entire lifecycle, including deployment and collision avoidance.

"We are very impressed with what is being developed by the three partners that make up Omega, with their fresh take on the space propulsion business," says ESA's Jorgen Bru. "The service-based model that Omega is advancing foresees a future where satellite integrators can focus on their core business and Omega takes care of everything related to propulsion and transportation."

The Boost! contract aims to further develop the propulsion-as-a-service concept, progressing it to a full hardware system and prototype testing phase.

The contract includes euro 390,000 in co-funding from ESA and involves Dawn Aerospace from the Netherlands and New Zealand, UARX Space from Spain, and Spherical Systems from the Netherlands.

+ Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company developing green propulsion systems, with more than 16 satellites and 76 thrusters launched into orbit.

+ UARX Space provides space transportation services for small satellites, including in-space logistics and dedicated launch services.

+ Spherical Systems designs electronic satellite systems powered by semiconductors.

Omega leverages the partners' expertise: Dawn Aerospace's SatDrive forms the propulsion system base, UARX contributes their space service experience, and Spherical Systems supplies the power and interface system. The service, suitable for satellites weighing 30 to 500 kg, uses standard interfaces for a complete ready-to-fly system.

The subscription service encompasses all necessary elements for spaceflight, from arranging launch opportunities to documentation support, initial deployment, and maneuver planning throughout the satellite's lifetime.

"Our propulsion systems have been designed to lighten the load for satellite operators by being plug-and-play, with standardised interfaces for easy integration. This service would take that one step further by providing additional support for mission planning, manoeuvring and deorbiting," says Jeroen Wink, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder of Dawn.

"We are excited to contribute to the Omega project with in-orbit collision avoidance algorithms, to be supported by ESA, and to continue working with our long-term partners, Dawn and Spherical. Omega has a multidisciplinary focus that will serve both transfer and deployment vehicles and small satellites. It offers a unique value proposition with an unbeatable time to market," said Andres Villa, UARX's Chief Technology Officer.

"To have been chosen as a subcontractor within the ESA Boost! Programme not only highlights the trust and confidence in SPHERICAL's innovative technology but also sets a precedent for the future of flexible and reliable power systems in space," says Thomas Parry, CEO of SPHERICAL. "Our best-in-class PCDU is perfect for the demanding requirements of the Omega service, offering unprecedented adaptability and resilience."

ESA's Boost! programme supports commercial initiatives offering transportation services to, in, and from space. It also assists Member States in implementing national objectives for spaceports, testing facilities, and more. Through Boost!, ESA is implementing the European Flight Ticket Initiative with the European Commission.