NanoAvionics builds first
nanosatellite for Prométhée’s Earth observation
constellation
Satellite operator Prométhée
has contracted mission integrator NanoAvionics to
build the first nanosatellite for the French
company’s planned constellation of Earth observation
nanosatellites and image analysis platform.
“ProtoMéthée-1” will be based on
NanoAvionics’ flight-proven 16U nanosatellite bus
M16P.
In addition to the satellite
with onboard camera and propulsion, NanoAvionics
will also provide Prométhée with full mission
services – testing, integration, launch, licensing,
and initial satellite operations. The
“ProtoMéthée-1” is intended to be launched towards
the end of 2023 in low Earth orbit (LEO). The
company’s service demonstrator will be based on a
high revisit rate constellation (20 times more
passes per day) and offering hyperreactivity through
inter-constellation connectivity.
The aim of France-based
Prométhée is to bring less expensive space
applications to emerging countries, in particular in
Latin America and Africa. The company recently
raised 4.7 million euros after a first fundraising
in September 2020 of 2.2 million euros achieved
through business angels, financials and three
companies specialised in space industry, Hemeria,
Comat and ADF. The possible applications resulting
from Prométhée’s satellite data and digital platform
range from forest fire detection to water
management, food security, urban planning,
desertification control, crisis management, critical
infrastructure protection and defence.
Contract Signing at
NanoAvionics Facilities
Olivier Piepsz, president of
Prométhée, said: “NanoAvionics is one of the most
innovative European space companies with an
excellent flight heritage. Leaving the manufacturing
of our first satellite as well as launch services
and operations in their capable hands, Prométhée
will soon become France’s leading NewSpace operator
for Earth Observation. It is our
intention to keep innovating through new space
explorations and new uses, while at the same time
strengthening France’s resilience through space and
digital sovereignty among the space fairing
nations.”
Vytenis J. Buzas, CEO
NanoAvionics, said: “The French NewSpace market,
based on the country’s space heritage and bold space
technology development policies is one of the most
active in the world. We are proud to be supplying
small satellite technologies to household names,
such as Thales Alenia Space, as well as partnering
with promising and rising stars such as Prométhée,
Gama Space, and ExoTrail among others. The recent
mission contract with Prométhée shows our continued
fast-paced business growth and further advancement
into the French market. In line with our existing
engagement with French NewSpace companies, growing
the business and to further improve our customer
service, we will be exploring different
opportunities to establish a NanoAvionics base in
the country.”
“2022 has already been another
exciting year for NanoAvionics and the remaining
months are looking very promising. Following the six
satellite launches on Transporter-3 and 4 including
our MP42, one of the first commercially available
modular microsatellite buses in the industry, we
intend to launch nine more satellites this year and
will be announcing more new mission contracts in the
coming months.”