Omnispace Spark-1MT now in orbit as part of Omnispace’s initiative to provide global hybrid NTN connectivity
TYSONS, Virginia. – April 2, 2022 – Omnispace and Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), are proud to announce that Omnispace Spark-1MT was successfully delivered to orbit aboard the SpaceX Transporter-4. The Omnispace SparkMT represents the first phase in the development and delivery of the world’s first standards-based hybrid network.
Thales Alenia Space designed and built the satellite, which is part of the initial Omnispace Spark two-satellite program. The next-generation NGSO satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) will operate in the 2 GHz S band. Omnispace Spark will support the mobile industry standard 3GPP in the n256 band1, making direct connectivity to compatible devices possible. This program will serve to advance the development and implementation of Omnispace’s Global Non-Terrestrial Hybrid (NTN) Network.
“Omnispace is reinventing mobile communications by creating a global hybrid network that will benefit users who require true mobility, anywhere,” said Ram Viswanathan, President and CEO of Omnispace LLC. “We are pleased with the work that Thales Alenia Space, with its team of world-class innovators, has done to design and build Omnispace Spark. With their help, we enable our vision of a single, ubiquitous global hybrid network.
“I am very pleased with the successful launch of Spark 1, a nanosatellite that we built in collaboration with NanoAvionics, Syrlinks and ANYWAVES. This achievement reflects our ability to develop new space solutions in partnership with innovative SMEs to meet market needs. We are convinced that the fusion of proven flight expertise with agility is the key to successfully meet the evolution of space demand,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
Spark-1 was launched aboard a SpaceX Transporter. Exolaunch provided launch, mission management, integration and deployment services.
Led by prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, the Omnispace Spark program includes industrial partners, NanoAvionics providing the satellite buses, launch assistance and in-orbit operations, ANYWAVES the payload user antennas and Syrlinks the instruments in S-band for payloads.
© Thales Alenia Space
“The successful launch of Omnispace Spark-1 also signifies a successful collaboration between NewSpace and traditional space, resulting from our great technology exchange with Thales Alenia Space,” said Vytenis J. Buzas, Founder and CEO of NanoAvionics. “It’s fair to say that both companies had to adjust their processes and find mutual common ground. By working with a traditional satellite contractor, we gained valuable experience and were able to further improve our delivery processes. assurance of reliability and our technical performance. On the other hand, we hope that Thales Alenia Space has been able to benefit from our modular technology and the levels of agility that we offer.”
“Having demonstrated our capability to supply COTS antennas, today we are very proud to show our capability in payload antennas. Support large space projects, such as Omnispace SparkMTalongside Thales Alenia Space, is also another great source of pride for ANYWAVES” declared Nicolas CAPET, CEO of ANYWAVES.
“We are very proud to have participated in the development of the first phase of this constellation of Internet Of Things (IoT) satellites. We would like to thank Thales Alenia Space for trusting Syrlinks for the design of a specific New-Space radio frequency payload equipment capable of receiving, processing and transmitting signals dedicated to the IoT,” says Eric Pinson, Director space activity at Syrlinks. .
The 5G capability of a single global network will transform industries and serve as the communications infrastructure to support 21st century economies. The network will enable mobile network operators and VARs to fuel innovation, power industries and connect billions of users. Follow the launch journey and learn more at Omnispace.com.
1 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a cooperation between telecommunications standards bodies responsible for the development and maintenance of technical specifications for mobile telephony standards, including those for 5G.
About Omnispace, LLC
Headquartered in the Washington DC area and founded by veteran leaders in the telecommunications and satellite industry, Omnispace is redefining mobile connectivity for the 21st century. Leveraging 5G technologies, the company combines the global footprint of a constellation of non-geostationary satellites with the mobile networks of the world’s leading telecommunications companies to deliver interoperable “one network” connectivity to users and IoT devices everywhere. in the world.
Omnispace press contact:
Mary Knowles
+1-202-422-2589
[email protected]
About Thales Alenia Space
Drawing on more than 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space offers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, climate management environment, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry rely on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite systems that provide anytime, anywhere connectivity and positioning, monitor our planet, improve the management of its resources, and explore our solar system and beyond. of the. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better and more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is also joining forces with Telespazio to form the parent company Space Alliance, which offers a full range of services. Thales Alenia Space achieved consolidated revenue of approximately €2.15 billion in 2021 and has approximately 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a factory in the United States.
Thales Alenia Space press contacts:
Sandrine Bielecki
+33 (0)4 92 92 70 94
[email protected]
Catherine des Arcis
+33 (0)4 92 92 72 82
[email protected]
Marija Kovac
+39 (0)6 415 126 85
[email protected]
