SWISSto12's I-8 satellites from the HummingSat program are chosen by Inmarsat to support its L-band network

30.05.2023 16:30, Rita Longobardi

Based in Lausanne, SWISSto12 is one of the most dynamic space startups in Europe. Today, they announce a partnership with Inmarsat - a global leader in satellite mobile communications.

SWISSto12, one of Europe's fastest-growing aerospace providers based in Switzerland, has been selected by Inmarsat to develop the eighth generation of spacecraft. The three I-8 satellites will add resilience to the network, ensuring the future of Inmarsat's global L-band safety services. Inmarsat, a global leader in mobile satellite communications, has announced that its new small satellites, the Inmarsat-8, will be launched in 2026. These satellites will provide vital safety services and support advancements in emergency response tracking.

SWISSto12 will utilize its HummingSat satellite platform, exclusive 3D printing technologies and specialized radiofrequency (RF) and data transmission products, to develop and manufacture these geostationary satellites, which are scheduled for launch by 2026.

The I-8 satellites, a new class of innovative spacecraft developed by SWISSto12, have a compact volume of just 1.5 m3 and are up to five times smaller in form factor compared to conventional geostationary satellites. However, they can reliably deliver essential safety services. The three I-8 satellites will complement the existing constellation and Inmarsat's two I-6 generation satellites, which were launched in December 2021 and February 2023, providing an additional layer of resilience. In March 2023, Inmarsat announced the successful completion of tests with ground stations in Western Australia for its first satellite, I-6 F1. It has now commenced providing Ka-band services for the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Throughout 2023, the company will launch its L-band capacity and transition services to the new satellite.

The second satellite, I-6 F2, launched in February 2023, is expected to begin operational service over Europe, Africa, and a significant part of the Americas in early 2024.

Each I-8 satellite will also enable Inmarsat to expand its launch and operation of radio navigation transponders for governments and international space agencies. These transponders can activate satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) worldwide, benefiting air traffic controllers, coastguards, and other applications. SBAS systems, utilizing satellite connectivity, ground infrastructure, and software, enhance the standard GPS/Galileo accuracy of 5 to 10 meters to within 10 cm.

With such precise tracking capabilities, aircraft will benefit from highly accurate and secure navigation, emergency services will reach distressed ships more rapidly, and various industrial innovations can be implemented, such as tracking devices for agriculture or advanced automated transportation management systems.

The I-8 satellites will continue to support Inmarsat's global safety services well into the 2040s. Inmarsat, founded in 1979 under the auspices of the United Nations to provide highly reliable safety communications, is relied upon by over 1.6 million seafarers and more than 200 airlines worldwide, ensuring 99.9% availability every day through its global L-band network. The Inmarsat-8 program is part of Inmarsat's fully funded technology roadmap, which includes the addition of five new satellites to the Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) high-speed network by 2025. The launch of software-defined GX 7, 8, and 9 satellites is planned for 2025, and the GX10a and b polar region coverage satellites are scheduled for the first half of 2024.

Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12, commented, "We are delighted that Inmarsat has chosen SWISSto12 as a partner for its flagship I-8 program. This selection is a testament to the advanced capabilities provided by our HummingSat, a new class of highly advanced small geostationary satellites offering cutting-edge connectivity at reduced costs. Our exclusive 3D printing technology and RF product designs allow us to push the boundaries of existing capabilities and apply them to both new and existing use cases for geostationary satellite communications. This is a significant milestone on our journey towards better connectivity and enhanced coverage in every corner of the world."

SWISSto12 won Venture Kick stage 2 in 2011, participated in Venture Leaders Technology in 2012, and ranked at the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award from 2012-2016.