ienai SPACE will launch a booster on FOSSA Systems’ FOSSASat-2 Evolved platform to demonstrate its use for collision avoidance manoeuvres and orbit maintenance of constellations of picosatellites
November 22, 2021 –FOSSA Systems, focused on the development of picosatellites to provide IoT communications, and ienai SPACE, dedicated to the development of propulsion systems for nanosatellites, two recently created Madrid aerospace companies, have signed alliances to combine their technologies. In 2022, the FOSSASat-2 Evolved platform will incorporate the ATHENA electric propulsion motor, with which it will be possible to perform anti-collision maneuvers and orbit maintenance.
In its objective of being the benchmark for IoT connectivity at a global level, FOSSA Systems continues to forge strategic alliances to offer the best IoT communications service through satellites. This new agreement with ienai SPACE reinforces its position as an innovative aerospace company and incorporates hardware improvements that will increase control over its platforms and its connectivity.
“The incorporation of a propulsion motor in our platforms will bring great advantages in the functionality and operability of our constellation, giving us greater manoeuvrability and an increase in the independence of the launchers, being able to modify the orbit in which our satellites are deployed. ”, Says Julián Fernández, CEO and co-founder of FOSSA Systems.
At ienai Space they are working to change the way the on-board electric propulsion market operates. Its goal is to remove the entry barriers to the adoption of electric propulsion technologies in the smallest satellites, providing manufacturers and platform integrators with the tools to understand their propulsion requirements and the best possible hardware to address them.
According to Sara Correyero, COO and co-founder of ienai SPACE, most propulsion companies offer a product portfolio based on sizes. “At ienai SPACE, we do it the other way around: we analyze the client’s satellite platform and the missions it has to carry out, and we design the optimal and tailor-made propulsion system, facilitating integration into the platform and reducing the impact of the system on the same”.
This customization in the development of these electric thrusters is key for FOSSA Systems picosatellites, since the miniaturization of all its technology requires the use of components of minimum size and high capacities. The case of the ATHENA propellant is an “extreme” example of these technologies, given that it will operate at powers below 2W (equivalent to an LED bulb), but with efficiencies comparable to motors with much higher powers, a technological leap that unlocks this type of systems for small satellites.
About FOSSA Systems:
FOSSA Systems is an aerospace company that provides dedicated and secure IoT communications to Defense companies and networks, with assets in remote areas, through satellite and sensor platforms. Founded in 2020 by Julián Fernández, CEO, and Vicente González, CTO, with the aim of democratizing access to space, it combines technological miniaturization with mass production techniques, reducing the development cost of its platforms and, consequently, the cost of communications.
In its objective of offering IoT communications at a global level, even in remote areas or with low or null mobile coverage, FOSSA Systems provides competitive connectivity solutions to companies in sectors such as agriculture, industrial, energy, infrastructure, communications or defense and cybersecurity. This IoT connectivity allows you to monitor assets and control processes, being able to make the best decisions to optimize results. For more information, visit www.fossa.systems
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Lola Zato: +34607987787 / lola.zato@sidebysidetecomunica.com
About ienai SPACE:
ienai SPACE is a company dedicated to the space sector, founded in 2019 by Daniel Pérez, Sara Correyero and Mick Wijnen. The company provides tailored propulsion solutions on board: manufacturing and helping to operate the thrusters that allow satellites to be maneuvered once in orbit. The company has its own technology based on micro and nanofabrication techniques, which has allowed it to develop the ATHENA motor line (‘Adaptable THruster based on Electrosprays for NAnosatellites’), the first propellant of its category developed in Europe, and the first system commercial electric space propulsion designed entirely in Spain. Additionally, it develops software tools to customize engines based on mission and satellite requirements and to optimize their operation during the life of the satellite. For more information visit www.ienai.space
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