Maltese engineers have developed sophisticated, cost-effective equipment such as miniature computers, electric propulsion, solar panels and electrical power systems for small- and medium-sized satellites.
New technologies developed by the engineers were well-received at the Global Space Technology Convention (GSTC) in Singapore last week.
Marc Anthony Azzopardi from the University of Malta’s Astrionics Research Group and Blu5 Group CTO Antonio Varriale, which is based in Malta, were in Singapore to present the fruit of a collaboration agreement signed two years ago.
Sponsored by industry heavyweights such as Airbus Defence and Space, Thales Alenia Space, ST Engineering, ArianeSpace, and other technology leaders including Blu5 Group, the GSTC is the premier space industry event in Asia, where the industry descends annually to showcase their latest products and vision for the entire space industry.
The Maltese delegation described their electronic miniaturisation efforts in the small satellite sector that has taken the space industry by storm over the past decade.
Dr Azzopardi told Times of Malta how they were developing a collection of technologies for very small satellites that are set to become a very popular choice as the industry seeks to lower the cost of accessing space.
Our satellites cost tens of thousands compared to tens of millions
“In Singapore, we presented the satellites and the associated technologies we are developing as they find application in testing and validation of electronic components in low earth orbit. Chips, such as Blu5’s SEcube™ and other electronic materials developed for use in mobile phones and other portable electronic devices can be used successfully in small- and medium-sized satellites for short term missions,” he explained.
In 2017, small satellites under 10kgs accounted for over 65% of all new satellites put into earth orbit and the exponential trend is seeing no sign of abatement, particularly in the lower cost segment.
Malta is currently at the forefront of the small satellite sector, and is actively developing a swath of new technologies for satellites weighing just a couple of hundred grams.
Dr Azzopardi said that the growing team is developing miniature technologies that offer enormous cost-saving when compared to conventional space-grade technology.
“Our satellites cost tens of thousands compared to tens of millions, so they are much better suited for verifying technology in the space environment, prior to it being used in much more expensive missions,” he said.
The Astrionics Research Group was established by the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering of the University of Malta in 2015, and is now a rapidly growing team of research students, academics, support engineers and contributors from various other departments and faculties that share an active interest in applied electronic systems research and development for the space environment.
The Research Group is very active in the picosatellite and nanosatellite sector and is currently developing numerous satellite subsystems.
Blu5 focuses on the design and development of hardware-software platforms, targeted to ICT systems developers and integrators in various fields.
The SEcube™, a chip also developed in Malta by Blu5, combines three powerful, but complementary, computing technologies in a tiny 9x9mm package and has found application in the small satellites being developed by the Astrionics Research Group.