Space Inventor to provide platform for next-generation orbital technology demonstration mission by NTU Singapore

The Crimson-2 mission is a technology demonstration satellite designed to validate next-generation propulsion and sensing technologies in orbit.


Aalborg, Denmark - 21.09.2026 - Space Inventor will be the spacecraft platform provider for the upcoming Crimson-2 mission by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). Crimson-2 is a technology demonstration satellite designed to validate next-generation propulsion and sensing technologies in orbit.

The mission will utilise Space Inventor's high-performance 16U satellite platform to support the in-orbit demonstration of an atomic oxygen detector developed by NTU and the MUSIC-HM electric propulsion thruster by Singapore-based space technology company ALIENA. Launch is currently planned for July 2028.

The Crimson-2 mission is designed to validate critical technologies in both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Very Low Earth Orbit (V-LEO), helping advance their readiness for future operational missions. Space Inventor's platform was selected for its ability to deliver the precise attitude control, thermal management and operational flexibility required to support the mission's demanding technical objectives.

The mission also highlights the value of Flexible Modularity, Space Inventor's platform philosophy that enables customers to tailor spacecraft architecture around specific mission objectives while reducing technical risk and development timelines. 

By leveraging a flight-proven, modular platform, Crimson-2 will be able to support complex payload operations under tightly controlled rotational and thermal conditions while maintaining the agility required for advanced in-orbit technology demonstrations.
 

Jan Smolders, Space Inventor Chief Commercial Officer, said: 

"We are delighted to have been selected by NTU Singapore for the Crimson-2 mission. This programme demonstrates the growing demand for flexible, mission-adapted satellite platforms capable of supporting advanced technology demonstrations in orbit. We look forward to working closely with NTU and ALIENA to help validate these important technologies and contribute to the future of space innovation."
 

The Crimson-2 mission will carry two primary payloads: NTU's ORMADD, designed to measure atomic oxygen exposure in very low Earth orbit environments, and ALIENA's MUSIC-HM electric propulsion system, which will demonstrate periodic attitude manoeuvres and active orbital lowering during the mission.

Building on the earlier development of MUSIC and ORMADD, the National Space Agency of Singapore is continuing its support through the Crimson-2 mission to enable their in-orbit validation. The mission underscores Singapore's commitment to maturing locally-developed technologies, establishing flight heritage, and developing capabilities for future VLEO missions.
 

Mr Lim Wee Seng, Executive Director, NTU Satellite Research Centre (SaRC), said:

“This mission combines  advanced  payloads developed in Singapore into Space Inventor's versatile 16U satellite platform, which offers the performance and flexibility needed to meet our demanding mission objectives. We look forward to working closely with Space Inventor and ALIENA to deliver a successful mission, with operations supported by NTU SaRC's next-generation AI-enabled ground station infrastructure, as we prepare for launch in 2028.”
 

About Space Inventor
Space Inventor is a Danish satellite manufacturer specialising in the design and production of satellites, subsystems and mission-ready platforms. With a focus on in-house engineering and flexible modular design, the company supports commercial, scientific and government missions across Earth observation, communications and defence.