What's Happening?
Beyond Gravity has obtained a contract to provide robotic arm thruster pointing mechanisms for Swissto12's small geostationary orbit satellites. The Appmax 3 arms, which are longer and offer a wider range of joint movement than previous models, will be delivered between 2026 and 2027. These arms are designed to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of satellite operations by reducing the number of required thrusters, optimizing fuel usage, and combining orbit raising and station-keeping capabilities. The new design allows for two thrusters per arm, reducing hardware needs compared to previous systems that supported only one thruster per arm. This contract covers five satellites announced by Swissto12 for Intelsat, Viasat, and Astrum Mobile, with the HummingSat platform set to debut in 2027.
Why It's Important?
The development of the Appmax 3 robotic arms represents a significant advancement in satellite technology, offering increased maneuverability and efficiency. This innovation is crucial for the growing demand for smaller, more versatile geostationary satellites, which are becoming increasingly important in global communications. By reducing the number of thrusters needed and optimizing fuel usage, Beyond Gravity's technology could lower operational costs and enhance the performance of satellites. This contract also highlights the collaboration between Swiss companies in the aerospace sector, potentially boosting Switzerland's position in the global space industry.
What's Next?
The delivery of the Appmax 3 arms is scheduled between 2026 and 2027, aligning with the debut of Swissto12's HummingSat platform in 2027. As the satellites are prepared for launch, further integration of Beyond Gravity's technology into satellite designs could occur, potentially leading to more contracts and collaborations. The success of these satellites could influence future satellite designs and operations, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt similar technologies.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration between Beyond Gravity and Swissto12 underscores the importance of innovation in the satellite industry, particularly in the development of smaller, more efficient satellites. This partnership may inspire other companies to invest in similar technologies, fostering competition and advancement in the sector. Additionally, the focus on reducing hardware needs and optimizing fuel usage aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
