GomSpace and ESA have signed a contract to adapt and improve smallsat systems and subsystems for science missions in deep space.
The contract value is 3.900.000 euro over 18 months. (3.300.000 euro for GomSpace Denmark and 600.000 euro for GomSpace Sweden). The contract is carried out under the Science Programme funded by ESA.
Small satellites have been proposed in the frame of deep space scientific missions for several years. However, questions about the combability and reliability of the small satellites' technology, traditionally used for LEO applications with limited performance and lifetime requirements, have remained unanswered or not addressed in sufficient depth.
In this project, GomSpace will tackle the most critical technology areas that could enable the use of small satellites for a science mission with a launch date as early as 2028. The aim is to design and test various development models at subsystem level to demonstrate a technology readiness level of TRL6.
"This is an important step for GomSpace. Deep Space is by far the harshest environment, you will ever meet. Adapting our nanosatellites to this environment will increase their lifetime and the reliability way beyond state of the art. This will become a significant driver in meeting the technology requirements of tomorrow – also on the commercial market," says CEO, Niels Buus, from GomSpace.
Scientific missions to deep space will become key in understanding the origin of the solar system as well as the planetary resources. ESA is working closely with NASA and the international space community to design and exploit these future missions.
6U agreement between GomSpace and Sky and Space Global finalized
As announced 8 April 2019 by GomSpace, Sky and Space Global and GomSpace have entered into a Heads of Agreement consisting of two parts:
+ A new agreement (6U Agreement)
+ Changes to the original agreement from 2017 (as amended) (Pearls Agreement)
Entering into the Heads of Agreement, GomSpace expected the above-mentioned agreements to be finalized no later than May 2019.
Today, both parties signed the definite agreement of the delivery of 6U satellites. The new agreement includes a delivery of the first batch of 8 nanosatellites by Q1 2020 – and an optional batch of 8 more nanosatellites planned for first half year 2020.
The order value of the first batch of 8 nanosatellites is EUR 5,3 million, and the order value of the optional batch of additional 8 nanosatellites is up to EUR 3,8 million.
The new agreement is conditional upon secured financing by Sky and Space Global and the parties reaching an agreement on changes to the original agreement entered into in 2017 (as amended) (Pearls Agreement). Both parties expect to reach a definite agreement of the changes to the original agreement from 2017 (as amended) within 30 days.
"I am very pleased that we have reached an important step in finalizing our agreements. I am looking forward to continue the collaboration," says Niels Buus, CEO of GomSpace.
