The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Tyvak International SRL—an originator of nanosatellite technology—to demonstrate the feasibility of having nanosatellites provide autonomous inspection and support services on the International Space Station (ISS) while in orbit.
Tyvak International will serve as the prime contractor for the “Multi-Purpose CubeSat at International Space Station (ISS)” study, conducted under the ESA General Studies Program (GSP), meant to serve as a proving ground for the Agency’s future space-based activities. Tyvak International was selected for this program because of the firm's knowledge of the nanosatellite industry and prior experience working on similar demonstrations. The ESA study is expected to be complete by early fall 2016.
Nanosatellites have the capability of providing multi-purpose platforms that can be deployed, retrieved, and refurbished by astronauts or robotically in the ISS environment.
As part of this contract, Tyvak Nanosatellites will:
- Develop a conceptual design for the ISS base platform
- Identify models for the platform’s launch to and deployment from the ISS
- Identify logistics needed to support maintenance and refueling of small satellites from the ISS
- Identify safety needs and possible constraints of having small satellite units operating autonomously in the ISS environment
- Plan the optimal path forward to ensure full flight readiness in a short timeframe
Subcontractors on this study include Politecnico di Torino University, and OHB System AG, Human Spaceflight Department.
Tyvak International CEO Dr. Marco Villa indicated that his firm hopes, one day, to serve as ESA's 'go-to' smallsat provider for inspection and proximity rendezvous missions.
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