The Omnispace Spark programme marks phase one in the development and delivery of the global hybrid non-terrestrial network of Omnispace
The Omnispace Spark-1 satellite has been launched into orbit. (Credit: David Mark from Pixabay)
Omnispace and Thales Alenia Space have launched their first satellite mission by delivering the Omnispace Spark-1 satellite into orbit aboard the SpaceX Transporter-4.
The new-generation non-geostationary NGSO satellite, which is presently in low-earth orbit (LEO), will operate in the 2 GHz S-band, said Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture of Thales (67%) with Leonardo (33%).
The joint venture firm designed and built the satellite, which is part of the initial two-satellite Omnispace Spark programme.
Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey said: “I’m very excited about the successful launch of Spark-1, a nanosatellite we built in conjunction with NanoAvionics, Syrlinks & ANYWAVES.
“This achievement reflects our ability to develop new space solutions in partnership with innovative SMEs to address market needs. We are convinced that merging flight proven expertise with agility is the key to successfully matching the evolving space demand.”
Omnispace is a US-based communication services provider. The company will support the mobile industry 3GPP standard in band n256 with an aim to make connectivity possible direct to compatible devices.
The Omnispace Spark programme represents phase one in the development and delivery of Omnispace’s global hybrid non-terrestrial (NTN) network.
Omnispace president and CEO Ram Viswanathan said: “Omnispace is reinventing mobile communications by building a global hybrid network that will benefit users requiring true mobility, everywhere.
“We are pleased with the work that Thales Alenia Space, together with its world-class team of innovators, have done to design and build Omnispace Spark. With their help, we are making our vision of a single, ubiquitous, global hybrid network possible.”
Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor of the Omnispace Spark programme. The satellite programme also includes industry partners with NanoAvionics handling the satellites buses, launch support, and in-orbit operations.
ANYWAVES provided the payloads user antennas, while Syrlinks delivered the S-band instruments for the payloads.
The launch, mission management, integration and deployment services were provided by Exolaunch.
Last month, Omnispace entered into a partnership with Lockheed Martin to co-explore the feasibility of developing 5G capability from space. The proposed global 5G standards-based NTN will deliver ubiquitous communications to commercial, enterprise, and government devices around the world.