Rivada Space Networks Program On-Schedule!
Visiting SpaceX
Completed Industrial Partners On-Boarding
Added Satellite Demonstrator Mission to Test Operational Environment
Partnered with OKAPI:Orbits for Space Situational Awareness and Sustainability
Rivada has taken another major step toward the deployment of its constellations. Following a successful team meeting with Terran Orbital in the U.S., we have completed the official onboarding of the industrial partners and subcontractors that will design, manufacture and launch our constellations. We have made a further milestone payment to Terran Orbital, which has completed its screening of the industrial partners as well as trade studies that will support the acquisition process and system engineering for Rivada’s 300 spacecraft.
In addition, RSN announced that it will begin the deployment of the constellations with the launch of a Terran Orbital-developed demonstrator mission by the end of 2024. Comprising four satellites across two orbital planes and including regenerative payloads and laser communication terminals on the satellites, the “Demonstrator Mission” (not part of the later 300-satellite LEO constellation) will support the verification of gateway-less transmissions from one user to another, routed within a small network of four satellites in space. The additional “Demonstrator Mission” in 2024-2025 will ensure that customers can test the operational environment of the unique laser-connected data network ahead of the rollout of the main constellation and provide RSN with an operational test bed for early ground-segment automation to build up best practices for operating the larger fleet.
With the growing number of assets in space we are mindful that Space Traffic Management is key to ensuring the safety and security of satellite operations and the future of in-orbit infrastructure operations. We have extended our partnership with OKAPI:Orbits to ensure the responsible use of space-based technologies. OKAPI:Orbits is providing RSN with satellite mission-analysis tools, including analysis and implementation of collision avoidance and de-orbiting strategies.
Clemens Kaiser, Chief Program Officer of Rivada Space Networks, commented:
“We are delighted to be moving ahead rapidly with Terran Orbital, SpaceX and our industrial partners, including OKAPI:Orbits, to deliver our constellations on-time and in a sustainable manner.”
“RSN sets an industry-leading example in using space responsibly and applying the highest standards in terms of space sustainability and debris mitigation,” says Kristina Nikolaus, CEO and co-founder of OKAPI:Orbits.