Vyoma Orders First Debris Monitoring Satellites For New Constellation

Vyoma, a pioneering German startup focused on space debris monitoring, has entered into a strategic partnership with Bulgarian cubesat specialist EnduroSat to develop a constellation of pilot satellites aimed at tracking and cataloging space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO).

This innovative collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing concern of space debris and enhancing space situational awareness (SSA).

Vyoma's Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Luisa Buinhas announced the partnership and revealed they have already commissioned two pilot satellites from EnduroSat for the ambitious project; which they plan to deploy into LEO by the close of 2024. While specific technical details of the satellites remain confidential, they will be based on a versatile microsatellite platform with a weight range between 50 and 500 kilograms.

The satellites will employ advanced optical telescopes to track and monitor LEO objects larger than 30 centimeters, augmenting the existing SSA data provided by third-party networks of ground-based sensors.

Credit : Vyoma

Vyoma's goal is to be able to track objects as small as one centimeter in LEO. Current tracking capabilities are limited by atmospheric conditions and ground-based observation tools. Vyoma aims to overcome these limitations by utilizing satellites that are immune to Earth's weather and capable of operating autonomously, thereby enhancing the accuracy and scope of space debris monitoring.

Although the initial contract with EnduroSat is for two spacecraft, Vyoma envisions a more extensive constellation of 12 satellites by 2026. The deployment will follow a phased approach, commencing next year. Vyoma is in the process of selecting a launch provider for the upcoming mission, with an announcement expected in the near future.

Vyoma has secured significant funding, exceeding 10 million euros ($11 million), for its constellation development. A recent funding round in June, included participation from French aerospace giant Safran. Safran's electronics and defense subsidiary, as part of its investment, is exploring the integration of radiofrequency sensors and complementary optical telescopes into Vyoma's constellation, further enhancing its capabilities.

EnduroSat, an established player in the cubesat domain, has previously deployed over 50 spacecraft since its inception in 2018. The Bulgarian company recently concluded a successful Series A investment round, securing $10 million to expand its operations on a global scale. EnduroSat offers a unique "space-as-a-service" model, wherein it manages and operates spacecraft for its clients, including payload deployment.

Vyoma's partnership with EnduroSat marks a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to mitigate space debris and ensure the sustainability of outer space activities. The collaboration also aligns with similar initiatives by other startups, such as Scout Space, NorthStar Earth and Space from Canada, and Digantara, all contributing to enhancing SSA in the increasingly congested orbits surrounding our planet.

As the space industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Vyoma and EnduroSat highlight the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by space debris.