D-Orbit Signs Launch Contract with Aistech Space

June 23rd, 2021

Space transportation and logistics company D-Orbit announced today the signing of a contract with Aistech Space, a global space technology company, for the launch and deployment of a 6U CubeSat aboard ION  Satellite Carrier (ION), D-Orbit’s orbital transportation vehicle.

The nanosatellite, named Guardian, carries a multispectral telescope designed by Aistech Space, with a variety of sensors from the visible (RGB), near infrared (NIR), and thermal infrared (TIR) spectrum.

Guardian will be launched and deployed with ION Satellite Carrier, the orbital transportation vehicle designed, manufactured, and operated by D-Orbit to transport a batch of satellites into space, perform orbital manoeuvres, and deploy them with precision into their operational orbits. Guardian will be integrated inside ION’s dispensers, alongside other spacecraft, and deployed according to Aistech Space’s requirements.

"We are excited about this new collaboration,” said Renato Panesi, COO of D-Orbit.

“Aistech’s ultimate plan for a multi-payload and multi-platform constellation of 120 small satellites spaced in 10 orbital planes is one of the main scenarios for which we designed the ION Satellite Carrier. We are looking forward to working with them and contributing to the realization of their project."

Aistech Space is planning to deploy a constellation of 20 Guardian satellites. This will be one of the first commercial constellations able to collect thermal data on demand.

Information captured by Aistech Space’s multi-spectral telescope will support decision making in fields such as water management, forestry, environmental monitoring, and maritime security.

“Our mission is to work with organizations around the world to tackle critical threats to people and the environment, and build a better, more sustainable future for the next generation,” said Guillermo Valenzuela, CEO and Co-Founder of Aistech Space.

“Our Guardian satellites will provide organizations with critical information for mitigating large-scale threats, such as forest fires, floods, pollution, and illegal activity.”

The launch, slated for December 2021, will be the fourth mission of D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Carrier.