The specialist for laser communication Mynaric began series production of its flagship product, the CONDOR Mk3, at the beginning of the first quarter of 2024. The new space company's system will be used for both optical communications within space and for communication with Earth. The product has now received customer approval and has been shipped to the customer. Initial deliveries of the CONDOR Mk3 will be made, among other things, as part of Tranche 1 of the US Space Development Agency's (SDA) Transport and Tracking Layer programs. Mynaric has been selected by Northrop Grumman as the sole supplier of optical communications terminals for this Tranche 1, and by York Space Systems for Tranche 1 of the SDA's Transport Layer.
“Today we are fulfilling our promise to our customers, shareholders, partners and our employees: We are developing and producing optical communication systems for widespread use in space,”
says Mustafa Veziroglu, CEO of Mynaric.
"These systems will be a central component of both government and commercial satellite constellations. I thank the entire team, working closely with our key customers, to achieve this milestone and thus open a new chapter for Mynaric."
Dcubed receives ESA support for manufacturing in space
Even without laser communication, structures in space require a lot of energy, and this is often provided by solar modules. However, launching these into space is complex, as the rigid structures require a lot of space. Therefore, foldable solar modules have become popular in the past. Their unfolding is then controlled by so-called actuators. The Munich-based startup Dcubed has become known for such actuators and recently even made it into NASA’s “Small Spacecraft Technology: State-of-the-Art Report”.
But Dcubed's plans go even further. The new space startup plans to present the world's first solar module manufactured in space next year. A demonstration planned for February 2025 will show how the back structure is 3D printed directly onto an ultra-thin solar array during deployment in orbit. The in-space manufacturing (ISM) system will be integrated directly into a spacecraft, reducing mass and weight. Once manufactured, the solar array is expected to produce more than 100 W of energy. The in-orbit demonstration is supported by ESA's Scaleup program.
Unio presents new solution
The New Space Startup Union was founded in 2022 as a joint venture between Isar Aerospace, Reflex Aerospace, Mynaric, and SES. The Munich-based startup aims to build Europe's first sovereign, commercial satellite constellation for fast, high-performance, and secure connectivity. With Unio Move, the company has presented its first solution for this. Unio Move stands for an integrated, turnkey data service solution that bridges the connectivity gap between 5G and satellite networks. It thus plays a key role in enabling solutions such as connected driving even in rural areas without good network coverage.
Katrin Bacic, CEO of Unio, says:
"Unio Move breaks the 15-year connectivity barrier by seamlessly bridging space and Earth. This integration is a pivotal moment in enabling next-generation digital applications and ensuring constant connectivity for vehicles and high-value mobile goods around the world."
New customer for Ororatech
Ororatech welcomes another important customer to its portfolio with the Green+ Programme. The Munich-based new space startup is known for its early warning system for forest and wildfires. Since 2022, it has also been gradually building its own satellite network. Ororatech's customers include SOPFEU, the fire service authority of the Canadian province of Quebec, and the European Union as part of ESA's Copernicus Contributing Mission (CCM). Now, with the Green+ Programme, another important partner is coming on board.
Launched in 2022, the program is dedicated to securing all subnational protected areas and creating greater incentives for conservation. The organization's stated goal is to increase the number of protected areas to 30 percent by 2030. Ororatech will now support Green+ in protecting millions of hectares of protected areas from wildfires. In doing so, the Munich-based company is also contributing to the preservation of biodiverse and irreplaceable carbon stocks in South America and beyond, which in turn is CC35 Secretariat. CC35 is the association of all capital cities of the Americas.
New partners for Reflex Aerospace and DeltaVision
Reflex Aerospace Reflex Aerospace, in turn, has found a key new partner in South Korea's Flexell Space. Reflex Aerospace, based in Berlin and Munich, is working on improving satellite design and enabling the series production of customized satellites. Flexell Space, based in Seongnam, has developed groundbreaking solar energy technology with reduced mass while increasing durability and efficiency. With the signing of a letter of intent, the two companies now announce the integration of Flexell's solar cells into the satellite platforms manufactured by Reflex.
And also DeltaVision is pleased to welcome a new partner. The Munich-based startup, which develops solenoid valves, pressure valves, and electromotive pressure regulators for regulating cryogenic and high-pressure fluids, has won over the Indian company Ducon Infratechnologies. Together, the two companies plan to develop and offer innovative fluid control solutions for rocket propulsion systems and hydrogen fuel supply systems for the Indian market. The partners are focusing not only on the space industry but also on India's hydrogen infrastructure.
DeltaVision is also working with a Munich-based new space startup: The Exploration Company is developing its own space capsule called Nyx. It will transport cargo and eventually humans into space to supply space stations and conduct long-distance research missions. The spacecraft is designed to be reusable and refuelable in orbit. Nyx's development process recently took a turn when the startup decided to use liquid methane instead of water as a coolant. The Exploration Company and DeltaVision are working closely together to develop the necessary valves.
