Sky and Space Company Limited (ASX: SAS) has been contracted by D-Orbit UK, Ltd to provide professional services as part of the Boost! project overseen by the European Space Agency (ESA).
Through Boost!, the ESA supports the development and deployment of new commercial space transportation services in the European space sector.
The ESA has signed an agreement with D-Orbit for its Responsive Microlauncher Service focussing on the end-to-end delivery of payloads in orbit. Sky and Space Company has been contracted by D-Orbit in a professional services role as part of the Project to support the development of a standardised framework for launch logistics and specifications, and to assist in designing and evaluating payload handling requirements at the UK based Cornwall Spacehub Centre for Space Technologies.
Spaceport Cornwall is a commercial launch site which is expected to launch satellites to space from 2022 through a consortium that includes Virgin Orbit and Goonhilly Earth Station.
This contract represents first commercial revenues for the company through a partnership with key industry members and emphasises SAS’ position at the forefront of key developments in the satellite industry.
Xavier Kris, Chairman of Sky and Space Company, said SAS engineers will be providing consulting services as a reference satellite operator, payload customer, and service end-user as part of the project.
Initial SAS revenues of approximately £30,000 will be followed by additional fees for each Spaceport Cornwall launch where SAS provides its professional services.
This is an exciting opportunity for Sky and Space Company. It demonstrates the expertise of the Sky and Space professional services team and the high regard with which it is held in the industry,” Mr Kris said.
“ We are thrilled to work with D-Orbit, Virgin Orbit, and the wider consortium and to play a key role in one of the most significant UK space projects in recent times.”
Simon Reid, Chief Operations Officer of D-Orbit (UK) said D-Orbit and Sky and Space Company have been pursuing innovative opportunities together for a number of years.
“We are delighted that our UK teams are now cooperating in the development of the new end-to-end micro launchers service.”
The company expects to commence providing services to D-Orbit this calendar year.