Clyde Space (AAC Clyde), a provider of CubeSat and small satellite spacecraft, has secured a follow-on order with Canada-based Kepler Communications for a 6U machine-to-machine communications mission.

The TARS platform will be the third built by the company for Kepler’s burgeoning constellation and will provide satellite communication services for Internet of Things (IoT) and ‘data backhaul’ applications.

Building on Success

TARS will be constructed in Glasgow and is predicted to play a crucial role in demonstrating Kepler Communications’ next-generation payload on orbit. The cutting-edge nanosatellite will determine the capacity and performance required to deliver narrowband services globally as part of the UK’s Satellite Applications Catapult In-Orbit Demonstration Mission 5.

This follows on from the success of Kepler’s first mission, involving the KIPP spacecraft. KIPP was successfully launched into Low Earth Orbit in January 2018 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in north-west China.

This mission, Clyde Space said, has proven the value of its precision 3-axis control system, as well as their onboard computer – described as a “highly resilient system, designed specifically for Low Earth Orbit.”

Alfonso Barreiro, CEO of Clyde Space, said the follow-on order demonstrates a “high level of trust in AAC Clyde” to deliver reliable mission solutions. He added that this mission highlights the company’s ability to develop and deliver high-tech satellites at “a very competitive price”.

Jared Bottoms, lead systems engineer – Kepler Communications, said: “We have developed a great relationship with AAC Clyde through the developments of KIPP and CASE, and are glad to be able to continue to work together on what is to be the most technologically complex and capable spacecraft for us thus far.

“Our engineering teams are nicely synced together we should be able to really push the boundaries with this next spacecraft.”

Seamless Connectivity

There is a growing demand for seamless global IoT connectivity, which is currently not being met due to a number of factors, including connectivity in rural and remote areas; network technology and infrastructure; and global variations in frequency bands.

Satellites can deliver solutions to these problems and TARS could come to play an integral role in improving and maintaining worldwide connectivity. The TARS mission will assess and demonstrate cross-border IoT connectivity, similar to that found in current mobile connections.

High volumes of data and bi-directional links, delivered at a low cost, could hypothetically be delivered by the TARS mission. The Glasgow-based firm said the applications of this could range from anything between remote monitoring and controlling of assets such as railcars, to smart-farming techniques.

The Kepler constellation aims to address current barriers and unlock a service capability estimated at around £71 million by 2022. This is the final prototype prior to their forthcoming GEN1 constellation which will incorporate 10 more satellites, set to roll-out in 2020, followed by GEN2 in 2021 with additional 50 satellites and GEN3 in 2022 to complete the 140 satellite constellation.

Craig Clark MBE, founder & CSO at Clyde Space, commented: “Last year we delivered Kepler’s first spacecraft, from concept to launch in 12 months, incorporating a number of our innovations, including a next-generation FPGA-based On-Board Computer and a high precision 3-axis attitude determination and control system.

“They say ‘the proof is in the pudding’ and the success of KIPP speaks for itself. Kepler has a great team and a solid business opportunity and I’m very grateful and delighted to be continuing our relationship with them as we now look forward to the launch of their second spacecraft, CASE, later this year and now TARS to follow on next year.”