Laser Communications Terminal Deal Announced by Sidus Space
Sidus Space has been awarded a multi-million dollar agreement with The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) to deploy and test TNO's laser communications terminal aboard a Sidus' LizzieSat satellite.
"This HemiCat is an important new technology and we look forward to working with Sidus to launch and test HemiCAT as a pathfinder for future laser satellite communication systems."
Michiel Ringers, TNO Business Development Manager.
"We are honored to be selected by TNO as its mission partner for the HemiCAT technology," said Carol Craig, Sidus Space Founder and CEO. "This partnership will allow us to demonstrate further versatility of our LizzieSat platform and advance our mission of 'Bringing Space Down to Earth' while continuing to expand our reach into the international satellite market."
Sidus will Lead Integration of the HemiCat Laser Communications Terminal
As part of the $2.5 million agreement, TNO will design and deliver HemiCAT, a high-efficiency miniature laser communications terminal, which Sidus will integrate into its hybrid 3D printed satellite, LizzieSat. Sidus will manage all aspects of integration, deployment, and operations, including procuring a launch and operating HemiCAT in orbit. The in-orbit demonstration mission for laser satellite communication is part of a study of Dutch defense technology.
"This HemiCat is an important new technology and we look forward to working with Sidus to launch and test HemiCAT as a pathfinder for future laser satellite communication systems," said Michiel Ringers, TNO Business Development Manager. "The Sidus team offered the best turnkey solution, designing, building, and deploying flight heritage hardware for demanding applications — the perfect combination of expertise and capabilities we look for in a partner."
The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is an independent research and innovation organization. It connects people and knowledge to create innovations and evidence-based insights that boost the sustainable competitive strength of industry and well-being of society. Now and in the future. TNO Space stimulates economic growth in the Netherlands and Europe by enabling companies to realize new products, generate new business and improve their competitive position.
(Source: Sidus Space news release. Image from file)