Cysec and ClearSpace, are participating in major space projects, offering their solutions to ensure secure traffic management in satellite operations and removing space debris. The two have secured funding for these missions. Meanwhile, Swissto12 has completed a key development step for Intelsat-45 and Inmarsat-8 satellite missions.
Leanspace, a ground segment solutions provider, has secured €10.5 million in funding from the French government's France 2030 "UMBRELLA" Project in which Swiss startup Cysec and Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) are involved. The project aims to develop advanced technologies for managing complex satellite constellations, focusing on creating universal monitoring systems, dynamic reconfiguration capabilities, orchestration and automation tools, and a digital twin environment. CySec, a European cybersecurity company based in Ecublens (VD), will contribute by developing post-quantum security solutions, including confidential computing on public clouds and new cryptography algorithms for ground-to-satellite communication. Their role is crucial in addressing the growing need for secure traffic management in satellite operations.
Clearspace receives £2.35M for its space debris removal project
Based in Renens, ClearSpace is leading the CLEAR mission, a UK Space Agency initiative to remove two defunct UK-registered satellites from low Earth orbit, , clearing orbital space for new activities and reducing collision risk for neighbours. The Swis startup is an orbit servicing company offering technologies to support institutions and commercial operators alike to enhance sustainable space operations and promote a circular space economy. The CLEAR mission will rendezvous with the first defunct object, capture it, and transport it to an orbit at a lower altitude, where, upon release, it will safely burn up in the atmosphere. Then the servicer will manoeuvre towards the second piece of debris to repeat the same set of operations. Set to launch in 2026, the project is expected to create over 70 new direct jobs in the UK. ClearSpace has secured a £2.35 million to reach the next objectives by March 2025. Nine UK-based partners, including Alden Legal, AstroAgency, and the University of Surrey's STAR LAB will join ClearSpace.
Swissto12 completes Preliminary Design Review
Intelsat, Viasat/Inmarsat, ESA, and SWISSto12 have completed Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) for the Intelsat-45 and Inmarsat-8 satellite missions. These missions utilize SWISSto12's HummingSat product line, which offers reduced size, mass, and cost compared to traditional satellites. As part of its partnership with ESA, SWISSto12 is developing and performing in orbit validation of HummingSat with its two anchor customers, Intelsat and ViaSat+Inmarsat, who ordered respectively the first HummingSat on Intelsat 45 the program and subsequent Inmarsat 8 program. The PDRs mark a significant milestone in the development process, confirming the feasibility and readiness of the satellite designs. This achievement demonstrates the potential of HummingSat to revolutionize the satellite industry by providing more affordable and flexible solutions for various applications, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and space exploration. The successful PDRs pave the way for the next phases of development and eventual launch of these advanced satellite missions.
(Press release/RAN)
Image: ClearSpace today
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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