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ith an ever-increasing number of satellites in orbit, accelerated by constellations of small satellites, the limited available radio communication bandwidth is quickly becoming a limitation to further growth. As the available spectrum is restricted by physical constraints, new innovative solutions are needed to mitigate this limitation and if possible, expand available bandwidth to allow for more data throughput. Spanish engineering firm Waptel is developing a possible solution.
Waptel recognises the bandwidth problem, while simultaneously seeing a continued miniaturisation of satellites, requiring ever more efficient and smaller communication devices. Based on many years of research and experience with optical communication, Waptel is developing a very light and compact optical payload for space to ground communication for the smallest of all satellites, cubesats.
With the help of Open Cosmos Waptel will be able to take two important steps towards making their solution a commercial success. First, they will need to test the system using realistic test hardware that is the same as that used to fly to space, allowing the payload to interact with all other necessary subsystems under simulated space conditions. The Open Cosmos beeReady solution, combining the beeKit payload test and qualification hardware with the beeApp mission design and operations software is perfectly suited for this first step. Then, once qualified, the payload can be integrated seamlessly into a beeSat flight-ready satellite bus for an in-orbit demonstration mission.
Waptel was selected as one of ten exclusive winners of the Call to Orbit programme, providing it with valuable space mission expertise by Open Cosmos, including mission software and access to satellite payload integration and test hardware, plus knowledge, advice, and introduction to a valuable network to commercialise their idea via the European Space Agency.
By being part of the Call to Orbit programme, Waptel will be able to expedite its research and testing, and start designing a test mission in space, on the versatile and easy-to-use Open Cosmos integration platforms. This partnership with a satellite manufacturer and operator allows them to test their concepts with flight-ready hardware.
Carlos Rivera, co-founder and CEO of Waptel said: “We think optical communications will be instrumental for the next generation of satellites both to improve the bandwidth capability and the intrinsic security of the link. The Call to Orbit programme supported by ESA and Open Cosmos will help us to reduce satellite integration costs and save time to get our product to market, as well as to create new commercial opportunities together with Open Cosmos.”
Rafel Jordá Siquier, founder and CEO of Open Cosmos said: “Limited satellite communications bandwidth is one of the biggest constraints in the commercial satellite market. Open Cosmos is very excited to work with Waptel on this key issue, which we believe offers great market opportunities for Waptel and Open Cosmos alike.”
Frank M. Salzgeber of ESA Business Applications and ESA Space Solutions added: “With the growing number of satellites launched in orbit, we need proactive companies like Waptel. They are ready to take the lead to find and develop innovative solutions.”
About Call to Orbit
Run by Open Cosmos in collaboration with ESA, the Call to Orbit competition will allow a diverse range of organisations to put their technologies and service-oriented applications into orbit. It will reduce the amount of time and money needed to get a satellite-based business off the ground, especially for companies developing new technologies or validating the commercial potential of a new application.
In total 10 winners will be awarded access to Open Cosmos’ orbit readiness program for free, alongside support from ESA, allowing them to go from concept to orbit readiness in just three months using Open Cosmos innovative space mission design software and payload development, test and qualification kits.
Once ready, launch opportunities will become available both under ESA programmes and others, where Open Cosmos is involved providing in orbit demonstration and validation services, taking advantage of Open Cosmos’ beeOrbital service. This will be supported under the partnership with the ESA Pioneer SAPION program.
Do you have a great idea for the next big thing in space technology or the next space data killer app that will benefit from being tested in space, then apply now! The program can be found at www.open-cosmos.com/call-to-orbit
More information
About Waptel: http://www.waptel.es/
About Open Cosmos: www.open-cosmos.com
About ESA Business Applications: https://business.esa.int/
