European Space Agency and GomSpace sign contract to adapt and improve smallsat subsystems for deep space

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - GomSpace and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a contract to adapt and improve smallsat systems and subsystems for science missions in deep space. The contract value is 3.9 million Euros over 18 months.The contract is carried out under the Science Program funded by ESA.

Small satellites have been proposed in the frame of deep space scientific missions for several years. However, questions about the combability and reliability of the small satellites' technology, traditionally used for LEO applications with limited performance and lifetime requirements, have remained unanswered or not addressed in sufficient depth.

In this project, GomSpace will tackle the most critical technology areas that could enable the use of small satellites for a science mission with a launch date as early as 2028. The aim is to design and test various development models at subsystem level to demonstrate a technology readiness level of TRL6.

Scientific missions to deep space will become key in understanding the origin of the solar system as well as the planetary resources. ESA is working closely with NASA and the international space community to design and exploit these future missions.

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