Beyond Gravity is stepping up its efforts to build satellites

The international space technology company Beyond Gravity supplies critical components for satellites and launch vehicles. With respect to satellites, the company has decided to go one step further by taking on overall responsibility for construction of a unique satellite platform. “We want to provide turn-key solutions directly to end customers and have pooled our resources across all of our European locations. We will accelerate our ability to build complete satellites, with the initial offering being of medium size and tailored for low earth orbit,” says Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. One reason for this is the current geopolitical situation in Europe, which clearly demonstrates the need for additional European satellites, according to Grassmann. “Our goal is to occupy a clearly defined niche in the market that is not covered by small start-ups or the large established players.”

“If ordered quickly, our satellite will be in orbit by end of 2028”

"We focus on cost-effective satellites that we can launch into space quickly. Our customers define the requirements, and we translate them into a cost-efficient solution,” says Oliver Grassmann. Within the group, Beyond Gravity already develops and produces many of the elements of a satellite, from the satellite backbone (structure) to thermal protection, computers, antennas, solar wings, and even the heart of a satellite—its data-generating instruments. “If commissioned quickly, we can launch a satellite into space by the end of 2028,” says Oliver Grassmann. 

New satellite bus as key element

Beyond Gravity satellites are designed for low Earth orbits up to 1,000 kilometers in altitude. The satellites are suitable for Earth observation, secure communications in crisis situations, and, in particular, for applications in the national interest, such as for Switzerland and other European countries. A key element is Beyond Gravity’s new satellite platform / satellite bus (the fully equipped satellite body with power supply, etc., which is ready for the installation of the satellite’s heart, the various instruments). Currently, the structural and thermal model of the satellite platform is being built, after it successfully passed its Preliminary Design Review earlier this year.

Various satellite instruments

The satellite platform (bus) has standardized compartments for various satellite instruments (payloads). Beyond Gravity offers the following satellite instruments as part of our standard portfolio of products: 

• Precise positioning and timing (PNT: Positioning, Navigation, Timing), which are indispensable for modern communication, transportation, energy supply;
• Electronic signal intelligence, for example for detecting and characterizing radar signals, geolocating sources, threat detection, and electronic warfare;
• Radio occultation and reflectometry for improved weather forecasting and soil moisture data;

Optical instruments (such as cameras) and other third-party instruments can be easily integrated, either inside the satellite as a plug-in card on Beyond Gravity’s modular electronics platform or on the outside of the satellite. “Our satellites are characterized by high modularity, flexibility, and open architecture,” emphasizes Oliver Grassmann.

Optimal balance

The satellite is designed for a service life of at least seven years and weighs around 250 kilograms when fully equipped. It will measure approximately 1.2 x 1.2 x 0.3 meters – comparable to a standard-sized wooden pallet. “We have deliberately chosen this size class because we see great market potential here. Our satellite will offer an optimal balance between size, price, and performance,” says Grassmann. 

Ready for various launchers

Beyond Gravity’s satellites can be launched into space using different launch vehicles – for example, smaller rockets or larger European or international rockets.

Video about Beyond Gravity’s payload solutions and new satellite platform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDadW6xJHXA

Images

Image 1: Beyond Gravity wants to provide turn-key solutions directly to end customers and will accelerate its ability to build complete satellites, with the initial offering being of medium size and tailored for low earth orbit. The satellite platform (bus) is being built in Zurich. © Beyond Gravity.

Image 2: Beyond Gravity satellites are designed for low Earth orbits up to 1,000 kilometers in altitude. © Beyond Gravity.

Image 3: “If commissioned quickly, we can launch a satellite into space by the end of 2028,” says Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity. © Beyond Gravity. 

More information about Beyond Gravity’s satellite platform: 
https://www.beyondgravity.com/en/satellite-platform