Heritage
Every company has a story. One they would like to tell. Just like Space Inventor. It feels like many years, but our journey has just started. Nevertheless take a look at our missions through the years, as these are some we are really proud to be able to tell you about.
In our early days, we focused on small but significant contributions to satellite technology, enhancing communication capabilities that would lay the groundwork for our future . Each project, no matter the size, was steered by our core values of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.
Space Inventor has been contracted by Aarhus University to deliver a full satellite solution including launch for the STEP mission
STEP, a proposed Danish space mission, aims to bolster ties between research and industry through the study of stars and exoplanets. This initiative plans to deploy a satellite equipped with a 20 cm telescope and a cutting-edge spectrograph to explore the electromagnetic spectrum from near ultraviolet to visible red light. It seeks to complement existing ESA and NASA missions like Kepler, TESS, Plato, and ARIEL, focusing on critical questions about exoplanets and stars.
The project anticipates advancements in space-Earth communications and data management from Danish universities and industries. Its findings, particularly on exoplanets, could enhance our understanding of extraterrestrial life, boosting public interest and comprehension in scientific fields.
Included in Denmark's Research Infrastructure Roadmap (February 2020) by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, STEP received a DKK 31.2 million grant in January 2022, with total costs estimated at DKK 85 million. This collaborative effort involves several Danish institutions, including the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the National Meteorological Institute (DMF), Copenhagen University (KU), the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Aalborg University (AAU), and Aarhus University (AU).
The satellite built by Space Inventor includes a 70 kg satellite platform for astro observatory and will be using a big telescope manufactured by ScanWay based in Poland.
The satellite will be launched in Q2 2025 on SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Space Inventor has been contracted to deliver a satellite based system to host Katalyst Space Technologies SIGHT payload for in-orbit servicing and satellite upgrading.
In 2025, a groundbreaking mission will see a robot satellite in geostationary orbit, 22,000 miles (36.000 km) above Earth, upgrading a military satellite with a new imaging sensor. This intricate task involves attaching the sensor (SIGHT), developed by Katalyst Space Technologies, to the satellite's launch adapter ring—a technical challenge spearheaded by a servicing vehicle with a robot arm created by DARPA and the NRL.
Space Inventor has been contracted by Katalyst Space Technologies to develop the satellite system in which the sensor “SIGHT” and a “retrofit attachment system” will be hosted on.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) plays a key role, coordinating with Motiv Space Systems for satellite-servicing hardware and Katalyst Space for the cutting-edge sensor that enhances space domain awareness in crucial military zones. Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics is building the Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) for this operation, equipped to stay in orbit for a decade, marking a significant leap in on-orbit servicing capabilities.
This mission, funded in part by the Pentagon's Test Resource Management Center and geared towards the Space Force’s Delta 11 unit, aims to extend the lifespan of satellites and improve the U.S.'s operational readiness in space. It embodies a unique fusion of commercial innovation with military strategic needs, offering a new dimension in space operations and maintenance.
Overview of who's involved and their contributions:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL): Developed a robot arm that will be used by the servicing vehicle to attach the new payload to the satellite.
Katalyst Space Technologies: Created the electro-optical imaging sensor payload that will be added to the satellite, enhancing its ability to observe its surroundings in space. They also developed a retrofit attachment system that enables the payload to be securely attached to the satellite's existing launch adapter ring.
Space Inventor: Delivering the hosting satellite platform to host the sensors and attachment systems by Katalyst Space Technologies
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU): Oversees the satellite upgrade project, aiming to incorporate commercial technologies into military in-orbit services. DIU selected the companies involved and facilitated the expansion of the project to include necessary partners.
Motiv Space Systems: A Pasadena, California-based startup, providing engineering support and prototyping satellite-servicing hardware for the project under DIU’s “Modularity for Space Systems” program.
SpaceLogistics (a Northrop Grumman subsidiary): Building the Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) that will carry out the mission, equipped with the robot arms designed by NRL with DARPA funding. This vehicle will perform the delicate task of attaching the new sensor to the satellite.
Space Force’s Delta 11 Unit: The military customer that will benefit from the upgraded satellite capabilities. This unit conducts training exercises and wargames, and the upgraded sensor will provide a more realistic environment for practicing orbital maneuvers and warfare.
Pentagon’s Test Resource Management Center: Co-funded the project with DIU, supporting the integration of commercial technology into military applications, particularly for enhancing on-orbit services and extending the operational life of satellites.
SDA Mission, Space Inventor Microsatellite Platform, GEO Mission
National Center for Atmospheric Research and High Altitude Observatory contracts Space Inventor to deliver a 12U satellite for their WINDCUBE mission.
WindCube, a 12U CubeSat project for low Earth orbit, is dedicated to examining how thermospheric winds impact the Earth's ionosphere. The mission's scientific instrument includes a limb-viewing Fabry Perot interferometer, designed to observe thermospheric winds through Doppler shift measurements of the 630.0 nm oxygen emission line. This initiative aims to fulfill a critical scientific objective outlined in the NASA Decadal Survey.
Space Inventor will design and develop a completely new and high-performing 12U platform to meet the high requirements for the WINDCUBE mission. Space Inventor will do full integration including payload in Denmark and perform Launch & Early Operations Phase.
About the mission:
Thermospheric winds play a crucial role in understanding the ionosphere's behavior across different latitudes and sizes. According to the NASA Decadal Survey, it's vital to study how Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and atmosphere interact and respond to solar and terrestrial influences as a connected system. Thermospheric winds, influenced by magnetospheric inputs like electric fields and ion drift, are key to this system. They not only respond to ion drift but can also drive changes, such as generating electric fields or moving the ionosphere along magnetic field lines. Understanding these winds is essential to grasp the ionosphere's complexities.
WindCube, a 12U CubeSat, brings a solution by making thermospheric wind measurements possible at a lower cost and with high precision, previously achievable only by larger satellites. It will accurately measure both meridional and zonal winds from a polar orbit, covering areas beyond the current scope of NASA's ICON. WindCube's affordability and effectiveness position it as a model for future missions like GDC.
WindCube will focus on two key research areas: studying wind's impact on geomagnetic substorms and its effects on the thermosphere and ionosphere. This mission offers an economical method to gather crucial data on thermospheric winds, essential for understanding the interaction between the magnetosphere and ionosphere.
Timeline:
- The satellite will be launched in 2025 on-board SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
- The project is funded by NASA
In April 2023, OQ Technology contracted Space Inventor to deliver two small satellites for their satellite constellation to enable 5G network in rural areas.
OQ Technology specializes in delivering innovative Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solutions through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, ensuring reliable, low-latency communication services globally, especially in remote and underserved areas beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks. Tailored services cater to a broad range of industries, including agriculture, maritime, and environmental monitoring, enabling seamless data transmission and enhanced operational efficiency in the most isolated locations.
The satellites made by Space Inventor were ready for launch in less than six months and used the latest satellite technology by Space Inventor.
The Satellites were launched in October, 2023 on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
More about the mission here: https://www.oqtec.space/news/oq-technology-to-become-worlds-largest-5g-nb-iot-leo-satellite-operator
Space Inventor Collaborates with Danish University to Elevate Satellite Engineering Education Through CubeSat Project
A distinguished University Corporation in Denmark has engaged Space Inventor for the design and manufacturing of two satellites, aimed at educational purposes within the framework of the Danish Student CubeSat Project. Space Inventor has successfully delivered a compact 1U satellite to the corporation, serving as a hands-on educational tool for nurturing the next generation of satellite engineers with foundational knowledge in space and satellite systems. Following this initial success, the corporation has once again partnered with Space Inventor, this time commissioning a more advanced 3U satellite designed for Earth Observation. This satellite will feature dual communication capabilities, employing both S-band and UHF frequencies.
The satellite is set to be outfitted with three distinct cameras, targeting several objectives;
- Photogrammetry of Glaciers
- Positional Imaging for Coastline and Large-Scale Feature Detection
- Large-Scale Weather and Cloud Cover Analysis
- Science Communication and imaging Support for Scientific Missions
The first camera is tasked with modeling glaciers in 3D from many 2D images. This camera will have the lowest field of view, meaning the area captured in the image.
The second camera is designed to model larger objects, such as coastlines, which it can accurately position. Therefore, its field of view is significantly broader than required for the first camera.
The final camera is the infrared camera. It is intended to work in conjunction with the first camera, but its primary function is to measure seawater temperatures.
EO Missions, 3U Satellite
The satellite will be mounted on the Vigoride spacetug made by the American company Momentus. Momentum will be launched on a Falcon heavy to be launched in Q3 2024.
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AI based surveillance applications from space - microsatellite for the Danish Defense
Space Inventor signed a contract in June 2022 with the Danish Defence to deliver a microsatellite using AI for surveillance applications from space.
BIFROST is a pioneering project at the intersection of Danish innovation and global partnership, aimed at advancing AI-enhanced surveillance from orbit. This initiative, backed by the Danish Ministry of Defence, focuses on the creation and deployment of a satellite system equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor activities in Denmark's Arctic territories.
With the Arctic's strategic importance rising, the Danish Defence faces the growing need for comprehensive surveillance and intelligence. The BIFROST mission aims to improve detection of various activities across land, sea, and air from space, bolstering efforts in sovereignty enforcement, operational support such as Search and Rescue, and strategic planning.
Embarking on this journey, BIFROST unites a coalition of national and international entities, including Space Inventor, Terma, GateHouse SatCom, and DTU, to demonstrate cutting-edge AI surveillance capabilities from space. This collaboration lays the groundwork for the space technology essential to the Danish Defence's future endeavors and paves the way for global partnerships in space-based surveillance.
BIFROST introduces a sophisticated satellite system for in-orbit analysis of images and signals, marking a significant step towards AI-driven surveillance and sensor integration in space. The mission will explore real-time data sharing between satellites, showcasing the potential for immediate Earth observation intelligence relay to ground controllers.
Claus Sølvsteen of the Danish Defence Acquisitions and Logistics Organisation highlights the importance of exploring nanosatellite solutions in response to rapid advancements in space technology, emphasizing the need to leverage space-based platforms, sensors, and data analytics for surveillance.
A key aspect of the mission is the evaluation and adaptation of AI models throughout its duration, allowing the system to recognize and adapt to new surveillance targets, thereby enhancing its functionality.
This mission will equip the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) with valuable insights into AI applications in space for Earth observation, ship detection, oil spill identification, and more, thanks to its versatile payloads.
Read more about our EO Mission, and Microsatellite.
The satellite will be launched with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in Q2 2025.
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Space Inventor was contracted by Visiona Tecnologia Espacial S.A. to manufacture Super advanced and compact 3-fold deployable solar panels, Complete power solution, Custom designed deployable UHF antennas, and Custom designed UHF front-end module with 10W transmitter and low noise receivers.
The satellite equipment was specially designed for Brazil’s VCUB1 satellite and the first kind for this nation.
The satellite was launched with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 back on April 14th, 2023 on board D-Orbits ION SCV010 Masterful Matthaeus Satellite Carrier.
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MPPT, PDU, BAT, SOLAR PANELS, 6U SATELLITE
About the mission:
VCUB1, by Visiona Tecnologia Espacial (VTE), is a trailblazing Earth Observation and Data Collection satellite, showcasing Visiona's prowess in high-performance space systems. This satellite fits the compact CubeSat (6U) model and features the advanced OPTO 3UCAM camera. This camera combines Push-Broom sensors with Time-Delayed Integration technology and a high-frequency gyroscope to offset satellite motion, ensuring unparalleled image clarity and precision for its class.
With a spatial resolution of 3.5 meters, VCUB1 excels in capturing Red Edge Band images, enabling advanced agricultural and environmental monitoring supported by the WebVis Platform.
Its bi-directional UHF system is designed for hydro-meteorological data but is versatile enough for various civilian, military, and IoT applications, demonstrating its wide-ranging capabilities.
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The world’s largest and smallest communication satellites to launch to geostationary orbit with SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy
Space Inventor was contracted back in 2021 by Gravity Space to build a groundbreaking new satellite for Bring-into use services in geostationary orbit. Space Inventor designed and built the satellite which is equipped with S-, X-, QV, Ku-, Ka- band and mounted with 4 electric thrusters for station keeping and slot transfers
May 1st, 2023 SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy will launched Viasat’s Viasat-3 communications satellite to geostationary orbit. The Viasat-3 satellite, built by Boeing, is the largest communications satellite in the world and it will be accompanied by the world’s smallest geostationary satellite, made by Space Inventor to our customer Gravity Space. The small 30 kg satellite is built at our HQ in Aalborg, Denmark and equipped with S-, X-, QV, Ku-, Ka- band and will perform Bring-Into-Use Services.
Further to endeavor in new groundbreaking services in the geostationary orbit, the small and very advanced satellite will also write Danish space history, as this is the first Danish manufactured satellite to go to geostationary orbit.
World’s smallest comms satellite operating in GEO
Falcon Heavy launched three satellites directly into geostationary orbit thus marking a few notable firsts in the industry: Viasat deployed the largest ever GEO satellite, and Space Inventor along with Gravity Space began commissioning their first GEO satellite, GS-1, which happens to be the world’s smallest of its kind. GS-1 established the link to its ground station immediately after deployment, and the operations team began their important work: Checking out health status of on-board systems and putting the satellite into safe sun pointing while bringing the navigation camera and determination system online. These tasks are proceeding to bring the satellite into the next challenging phase of raising to orbit the final 1000 km and enter its designated slot to begin commercial operations.
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The satellite was launched with SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy on a direct GEO insertion launch 1000 km below the designated orbit slot.
Space Inventor is currently operating the satellite from its operations center in Denmark.
Space Inventor contracted by European Space Agency to deliver a payload hosting platform
As part of the ESA Pioneer programme, Space Inventor is undertaking the Edison In-Orbit demonstration mission. The CubeSat will serve as a payload hosting platform for paying customers to obtain flight heritage for new satellite avionics and technologies.
The satellite payload hosting capacity is equivalent to 3 Cubesat units and can host any number of payloads that can be accommodated within that volume.
The mission and payload operations ground software allows for the customers to access the downlinked data from the payload. The software also provides the opportunity for customers to allocate time slots for their payload operations, which allows for secure and efficient scheduling to optimize utilization.
Space Inventor holds responsibility for spacecraft design, spacecraft AIT, customer payload integration, launch, LEOP, and operation of payload in-flight validation.
The IOD customers on this mission is:
Infinite Orbits
ION-X
Neumann
The 8U satellite will be launched with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in October 2024 in a SSO orbit.
Image Credit: Space X |
Space Inventor has been contracted by canadian-based company QSTC to manufacture and deliver a 16U satellite for bring-into-use purposes in geostationary orbit.
The satellite will be equipped with S- L-,, X-, Ku-, Ka- band and four electric thrusters for station-keeping, slot transfers and orbit raising.
Space Inventor has delivered similar projects for geostationary orbit: 16U GEO for BIU
The satellite is scheduled to be sent to space in the last quarter of 2024. It will hitch a ride on an Intuitive Machine heading to the moon as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services lifted off by SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Once it reaches lunar orbit, a SpaceTUG from EPIC Aerospace will transport it to its specific slot in geostationary orbit. Space Inventor will from there perform platform commissioning.
INTUITIVE MACHINES LUNAR MISSIONS
EPIC AEROSPACE SPACETUG
Back in 2021, Infinite Orbits contracted Space Inventor to design and manufacture a 16U satellite designated for geostationary orbit to perform Bring-into-use services and Space Situational Awareness.
The satellite will be equipped with S-, X-, QV, Ku-, Ka- band and four electric thrusters for station-keeping, slot transfers, and orbit raising.
Space Inventor has delivered similar projects for geostationary orbit: 16U GEO for BIU
The satellite will be launched in 2024, launch vehicle tbc.
Space Inventor was contracted do build Denmark's first commercial satellite with a payload
Space Inventor was contracted by the Danish VDES company Sternula to design and manufacture a 6U satellite and a big deployable VHF YAGI antenna for VDES purposes. The satellite will enable communication between the ship bridge and shore using AIS 2.0 (VDES) with a big deployable VHF YAGI antenna made by Space Inventor. This satellite will also demonstrate the means of maritime VDE-SAT e-Navigation services in the Arctic, thereby improving security and efficiency for maritime traffic in the Arctic.
About the Payload:
Prior to the launch of the Sternula-1 satellite space Inventor also developed the key payload instrument for the mission which was a very large deployable high-gain yagi antenna for VHF communication. The stowed antenna is very compact and uses a titanium STEM-based mechanism to deploy controlled and accurately once the satellite is on orbit. This modular construction allows us to build yagi antennas with various number of elements to suit the requirements of VHF and UHF high-gain satellite antennas.
Sternula Satellite |
Deployed YAGI Antenna |
The satellite was launched was Space X’s Falcon 9 in January, 2023.
Image Credit: Space X |
2 x 3U satellites delivered to Hiber
Back in 2019, Hiber contracted Space Inventor to manufacture and deliver 2 3U satellites for IOT purposes for the dutch company Hiber.
In early 2021, the two small satellites were launched which also served as a flight demonstrator of Space Inventor 3rd generation of satellite avionics as well as our advanced deployable solar arrays.
Both satellites went online as planned and began commissioning immediately during the first ground station passes.
In addition to proving the robust performance of the entire power plant with its 47 watt deployable solar array, the platforms included our third generation of attitude determination and control system. This ADCS uses reaction wheels, magnetorquers and different sensors such as our fine sun sensors and GPS module to carry out advanced pointing modes including pointing at two different, prioritized targets simultaneously.
Read more about Space Inventor high performing 3U satellite with 4th generation of avionics
The two satellites were launched with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Transporter-1 in 2021.
