Oxford Space Systems hails significant milestone with antenna delivery to ECHOES project
Oxford Space Systems said it had marked a "significant" milestone in space-based air traffic management (ATM) - by successfully delivering its large VHF isoflux helical antenna for Startical's ECHOES project.
The ECHOES project is being spearheaded by Startical - the public-private initiative for satellite technological innovation - and aims to prove the viability of space-based communications and surveillance capabilities for ATM services in a real scenario.
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The antenna, which is nearly 4 metres in length, is a crucial component of the ECHOES initiative, which is poised to revolutionise air navigation through a constellation of satellites that provide global VHF communication.
Oxford Space Systems is a venture capital-backed, growth stage space technology business founded in 2013 with a vision to be the global leader in deployable antennas for space.
Its CEO, Sean Sutcliffe, said: "Delivering this VHF isoflux helical antenna for the ECHOES project is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Oxford Space Systems team working together with Startical and Indra.
"Supported by the UK Space Agency through ESA's General Support Technology Programme, we have developed an antenna that meets the demanding requirements of this groundbreaking project in record time.
"Our close collaboration with Startical and Indra ensured that our design was well aligned with the mission needs and integrated seamlessly with the satellite."
Startical is a joint venture between Spanish multinational Indra and Enaire, the Spanish air navigation service provider.
The ECHOES project has received substantial funding from the European Union, supported by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
