Government-backed satellites the size of a shoebox are going to be built in Scotland following the signing of an agreement between AAC Clyde Space UK and ESA.

AAC Clyde manufactures a range of small satellites, ranging from 1kg to 50kg in weight, and offer space-as-a-service, which is an end-to-end mission service covering everything from mission design, launch and satellite operations to data delivery for a client list that includes Orbcomm, NSLComm, Eutelsat, Orbital Micro Systems, NASA and ESA.

A total of 10 small satellites will be built as part of ‘xSPANCION’, a new project by the satellite manufacturer to create a satellite constellation that businesses can use for a wide range of applications, including communications, Earth Observation and remote sensing.

This constellation can then be used by businesses to fulfil their space data needs with a ‘one-stop-shop’, providing data from a single point of contact while cutting out the need to carry out any space activity themselves.

The project will see the company team up with the University of Strathclyde, the Satellite Applications Catapult, Bright Ascension and D-Orbit UK to design and launch the 10 satellites.

Game-changing project
Dr Graham Turnock, UK Space Agency chief executive, said: “This game-changing project will see AAC Clyde Space UK develop cutting-edge technology, including communication between satellites to increase data performance, and help keep the UK at the forefront of the global small-satellite market.

“Building satellites quicker and in higher volumes is not only vital to meet the increasing demand for services we all rely on, it also supports the launch of small satellites from UK soil in the coming years.

“The UK is a leading investor in telecommunications research, which is why we recently committed £250 million of investment to back ESA projects led by innovative companies like AAC Clyde Space.”

AAC Clyde Space specialise in providing advanced small spacecraft, mission services, and spacecraft solutions for government, commercial, and educational organisations around the world for an extensive range of space-based applications.

The money to develop the innovative constellation comes from the ESA Pioneer Partnership Projects programme which aims to support businesses in taking up new and advanced technologies and services in space. The UK Space Agency through ESA, will co-fund the project with €9.9 million.

Luis Gomes, chief executive of AAC Clyde Space, said: “The project will revolutionise our space-as-a-service offering. It will allow us to significantly reduce the cost of every message collected, every image captured, supporting those business cases that to date have not been able to justify the capital expenditure to have hundreds of sensors in orbit.

“Fundamentally, our customers will no longer have to worry about how to access space, they can focus on how to enhance their core business. This project will catalyse a new generation of applications not previously possible.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “It is fantastic to see more UK Space Agency funding being awarded to Scottish companies, highlighting the UK Government’s commitment to become a global leader in the space industry.”