Aspiring ASX listed satellite telco, Sky and Space Global, has hit a major milestone with a key design review finding that its nano-satellite design meets all requirements for construction to begin.
Assembly and integration of all components of the nano-satellites will begin immediately and construction of the first batch of the “Pearls” constellation is expected to be completed on time for the initial launch in 2019.
Successive launches of nano-satellites will proceed in the following quarters until the entire constellation of about 200 Pearls is in orbit during 2020.
The critical design review, or “CDR”, was carried out by leading global aerospace construction partner GomSpace – a Nasdaq listed contractor specialising in the construction and testing of bespoke nano-satellites.
GomSpace will also carry out assembly and integration of the satellite components and has assessed all technical components to ensure that each part met the required standard to progress to the construction phase.
Once construction and integration are completed, the nano-satellites will then pass through various other final hardware, software and technical assessments and testing, including a final acceptance test before launch.
Sky and Space Managing Director Meir Moalem said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed the CDR with GomSpace, reaching another milestone and remaining on track for launch next year. Positive results from the CDR validate our technology, support our strategy and reaffirm our goal of providing communication technology to remote geographical locations.”
Last week, the company signed a binding MoU with international connectivity provider Applied Satellite Technology to explore and develop the provision of nano-satellite connectivity services.
AST is privately owned UK telecommunications solution provider with offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Kenya, Australia and the US. It provides a range of satellite voice and data connectivity including VSAT, M2M, tracking, emergency and safety services on land and at sea.
Under the agreement, the two companies will explore how Sky and Space’s nano-satellite connectivity can be incorporated into AST’s network and used to improve AST’s service offering.
The MoU follows on the recent signing of more binding MoUs with five large telcos around the globe.
These were reached with globally focussed “internet of things” engineering firm Penteon, Indian technology services company Unizen Technologies, Jamaica’s Surge Telecom, Brazilian satellite telecommunications solutions company Briskcom and Canadian data acquisition company SkyX.
With its Pearls nano-satellites now entering the construction phase and a whole slew of binding MoUs in place, Sky and Space Global appears to have most if not all the key pieces in place to rocket its way into the lucrative telco world with its unique space-based offering.
By Matt Birney
