ASX-listed Sky and Space Global continues to progress its mission to revolutionize the global satellite telecommunications industry, with the Perth-listed company’s first three nano-satellites receiving formal approval from the UK government.
Sky and Space said on Thursday that it received the tick of approval from the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, confirming the ‘bringing into use’ classification of its three pilot satellites known as the “3 Diamonds. “
‘Bringing into use’ certification, or BIU as it is commonly known, is a critical regulatory classification step in the UK that confirms the existence of an actual satellite in space, according to Sky and Space management.
The classification is only granted when a company can prove its satellites are capable of sending signals to and from a space station at a specific orbit for a continuous period of 90 days.
The BIU process, which is part of the satellite filing procedures required by the International Telecommunication Union, marks another important step on the road to Sky and Space rolling out its 200-strong nano-satellite network by 2020.
“This marks a significant technical milestone for the Company, and is another critical part of the unique intellectual property and value that has been created for all SAS shareholders to date,” the company told the ASX.
“This is a major step for SAS as this provides regulatory confirmation of its ability to deliver services using the 3 Diamonds.”
Since being blasted into space in June, the 3 Diamonds have repeatedly made history, including becoming the first nano-satellites to facilitate financial transactions in orbit and the first nano-sats to successfully transmit voice calls in space.
The ASX Junior plans to start rolling out on equatorial constellation of the miniature satellites, which are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but just as effective as traditional satellites.
The full network will be aimed at facilitating affordable telecommunications in remote areas of the globe, in industries such as shipping and logistics and in developing nations with poor satellite coverage.
Thursday’s announcement comes amid a run of positive developments for Sky and Space including the locking down of an expanded procurement deal with its Danish construction partner Gomspace to boost the capabilities of its nano-satellites.
By Matt Birney
