CORTIS Integrated in OSSIE OTV
Called a Milestone for Galician Space Technology
The CORTIS project (Camera Observatory & Radiation Test in Space), developed by the UVigo SpaceLab team, has reached a new milestone with its integration into OSSIE, the orbital transfer vehicle designed and manufactured by UARX Space. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the Galician space ecosystem, combining university-driven innovation with industrial and technological capabilities.
From the outset of the project, UARX Space has played a key role as a strategic partner, providing expert technical advice, validation infrastructure, and support throughout the entire integration process. This partnership has enabled CORTIS to meet the strict standards required for spaceflight, successfully passing vibration tests carried out at UARX's facilities in NigrĂ¡n (Pontevedra).
The primary objective of CORTIS is to evaluate and compare the performance of commercial radiation sensors against technologies developed in-house by UVigo SpaceLab, as well as to validate a flight heritage camera that will be used in the upcoming BIXO mission. This dual functionality makes CORTIS a key experimental platform for advancing the development of robust, locally designed space systems. OSSIE, the vehicle that will host CORTIS in orbit, is a project entirely developed by the UARX Space team. It is the first orbital transfer vehicle developed entirely in Spain, and one of only six such vehicles worldwide.
Its launch is scheduled for 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, alongside other international payloads. This project highlights the benefits of collaboration between academia and industry in the space sector, underscoring Galicia's position as a leader in aerospace innovation.
The collaboration between UVigo SpaceLab and UARX Space reflects a strong commitment to technological development, talent training, and the international projection of high-value-added space solutions.