13 August 2024
Deneb Space, pioneering Autonomous Attitude Determination and Control Systems (AADCS), is excited to announce the imminent launch of its satellite stabilisation technology, eMag.
The satellites are set and onboard the SpaceX Transporter-11, launching from Vandenberg, California. Following the postponement of the SpaceX launch vehicle, the launch is now rescheduled.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our stakeholders support and patience while the launch of both spacecraft carrying our hardware was delayed,” says Deneb CEO Anne Bettens. “With the Falcon 9 now being cleared for flight operations, we’re looking forward to our first launch onboard both CUAVA-2 and Waratah Seed-1 satellites.”
Deneb Space is committed to improving satellite mission success and extending satellite lifespan by addressing the pervasive issues of satellite jitter and poor precision.
Jitter, often called the "silent satellite killer," is the unintended rotation or drift in a frictionless, zero-gravity environment. Minuscule satellite rotations disrupt imagery and communications, with a reliance on ground operations causing delays in corrective actions.
Growing orbital congestion increases the need for onboard autonomous systems to maintain precision and counter-jitter. Jitter reduces satellite lifespan and efficiency due to increased fuel consumption and frequent manual adjustments.
“An estimated one-third of all satellites in orbit are inoperable because of current Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), and most optical sensing satellites suffer from jitter, impeding their performance and lifespan,” says Bettens.
Deneb Space was formed to specialise in this purpose. Deneb’s innovative architecture utilises a software and hardware stack featuring on-board integration of all positioning sensors and actuation of a unique electro-permanent magnetorquer (eMag) system designed by the Deneb team.
Deneb’s re-imagined eMag, based on a decade of satellite-building experience, delivers 10 times the torque of conventional magnetorquers with just 50% of the power. “Power efficiency allows Deneb’s software to issue thousands of micro-corrections each day to help maintain precise orientation as well as provide tumbling capabilities,” says Xueliang Bai, Deneb’s CTO.
Deneb’s software-hardware system extends satellite life and reduces operational costs. “Unquestionably, all new satellites will eventually be required to have the equivalent of autonomous driving skills,” says Bettens. “Satellite manufacturers will want to source this capability from a highly focused provider who can deliver tight integration between hardware and software.”
Today, ten Manufacturers account for almost 80% of all satellites, with a diverse array of manufacturers accounting for the rest. It is estimated that equipping all new satellite programs with autonomous stability could cost over $30B. Deneb believes the emerging AADCS sector will fulfil this requirement more efficiently.
Deneb’s technology has demonstrated remarkable results in ground tests, including achieving precise pointing accuracy and reducing moments of inertia efficiently, to provide automatic detumbling to satellites.
“We are confident our approach will set a new standard for satellite stability and longevity and ultimately work towards satellite autonomy. We can’t wait to see it operating in space” adds Bai.
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