By Chris Forrester
Dr. Jeff Foust, Senior Staff Writer, SpaceNews, moderated the Satellite Manufacturers session at SmallSat Europe, held in Amsterdam on May 28. The session examined satellite production, winning orders, raising cash, IRIS2 and potential geopolitical problems out of the US.
Simon van den Dries (Head of Business Development, Space Services, Endurosat). Simon leads EnduroSat’s Space Service division, dedicated to enabling affordable access to space infrastructure for low Earth orbit. He said that while funding was generally coming from government, it was important that local offices were maintained in European countries. The company operated legally separate businesses in other countries, notably the US.
Dr. Thomas Sinn (CEO & Founder, Dcubed). Dcubed is a pioneering company specializing in high-performance deployable space hardware including innovative solutions in release actuators, solar arrays, antennas, and in-space manufacturing (ISM). Dr Sinn said he sensed there was more funding coming from governments. He was extremely worried about Washington’s tariff structure; would it be 10% or 50%? The uncertainty was worrying.
Luis Gomes (CEO, AAC Clyde Space). AAC Clyde Space delivers space-based data services that turn complex challenges into clear, actionable decisions. Its growing portfolio spans Earth Observation, communications and navigation – supporting real-world applications across multiple sectors. Ten satellites already in orbit and with a presence in multiple European countries as well as the US and South Africa.
Gregoire Nemo (Snr. Manager, Aerospacelab Inc.) Belgium-based Aerospacelab’s Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP-300) has recently been selected by JAXA for its SAMRAI project, marking a significant milestone in satellite platform collaboration. Aerospacelab is also focussed on larger projects, and geopolitical challenges has meant work coming in from individual nations seeking independent security and services.
Dr. Sethu Suvanam (CEO & Founder, ReOrbit). ReOrbit is a Finland-based company with the mission of designing the next generation of small satellites for secure communications. ReOrbit is experiencing broader partnerships amongst the industry. He expected ReOrbit to be making financial announcements soon. This included interest from VC funds and in particular European-based VC funds.
IRIS2 was very much a topic at the session – indeed over the two days of the event. Aerospacelab is building its mega-factory in the south of Belgium where it is targeting production of 200 satellites annually, and is very enthusiastic about IRIS2, for satellites and sub-systems.
Endurosat is mass-producing some 40 satellites a month but said that one of the problems was that Europe tried to give small amounts of cash to very many companies instead of helping fund larger businesses. It raised $43 million of fresh funding on May 27, and needed to ramp up to that production rate of 40 craft per month. Some 50% of the company’s revenues come from the US, and the US remains the biggest market in the industry.
Dcubed also expressed enthusiasm for IRIS2 but agreed saying Europe’s approach to give a little bit of support to many suppliers was no way to compete with Starlink.
Dr. Sinn told delegates that it had been successful in raising cash from France and Sweden and the US following on from a German fund-raising exercise in 2020.
