SWISSto12 and Saturn Satellite Networks collaborate to bring advanced small telecommunication satellites to GEO

September 8th 2021

SWISSto12 and Saturn Satellite Networks, a leading developer of small GEO satellite missions, announced a collaboration agreement whereby they join forces to build and market GEO telecom missions based on both MicroGEO, ISN, and Nationsat satellites. These missions deliver highly competitive connectivity from GEO orbit based on small and affordable satellites, thereby enabling new application cases for satellite connectivity that complement the offering of larger legacy satellites.

In this collaboration, SWISSto12 will make its end-to-end advanced flexible payloads available to be matched with three different classes of small satellite platforms: the MicroGEO, the Intelligent Space Node (ISN), or the Nationsat which are all enabled by the cutting edge bus, with proven GEO heritage from Saturn’s affiliate company NovaWurks and its HISat technology.

SWISSto12 will lead the marketing of turnkey GEO telecom satellites based on the MicroGEO platform of approximately 2kW payload power while Saturn Satellite Networks will lead the marketing of turnkey GEO telecom and high throughput satellites (HTS) based on the ISN and Nationsat platforms of approximately 5kW payload power. These classes of satellites complement each other in the emerging segment of smaller GEO telecommunication satellites and offer a complete set of solutions to address specific requirements of satellite operators.

Missions addressed range from BSS and FSS spacecraft, which can provide a competitive replacement option for aging satellites, to HTS satellites for flexible global coverage or offering regional coverage for existing or emerging operators. Available frequencies range from C-band to Q/V-band.

The partnership capitalizes on the experience of spacecraft and payload engineering teams from both companies with workforce based both in Europe and the U.S.

“There is a lot of opportunity in MicroGEO satellites which is currently not addressed.

Combining best of breed payload and platform solutions through this cooperation enables missions that can truly handle the performance and cost challenges of smaller missions in GEO while mitigating the risks of space,” said Dr. Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12. “We are extremely excited to enable new mission opportunities for the satellite communications industry together with Saturn.”

“This cooperation with SWISSto12 strengthens our mission to provide robust and affordable satellite platforms for nations lacking the resources for affordable space-based services using a national asset. Our innovative satellite platform designs, combined with SWISSto12’s payload technology and expertise improve our satellite products and provides nations, satellite operators, and most importantly, end users, an affordable, reliable service from GEO” said Thomas Choi, CEO of Saturn Satellite Networks. “We are very pleased to work with SWISSto12 to bring novel designs using flight proven technologies and innovative solutions to our customers.