HEX20 Joins Forces with ispace, inc. and Skyroot Aerospace to Drive Lunar Missions and Beyond

Adelaide, AUSTRALIA — HEX20, has embarked on a strategic collaboration with India’s Skyroot Aerospace and Japan’s ispace, inc. to stimulate demand for affordable lunar satellite missions. The initiative aims to leverage the combined technical prowess and regional networks of the three pioneering companies.

Lloyd Lopez, CEO of HEX20, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We have committed to joint marketing efforts across the Indo-Pacific region, expediting the realization of lunar satellite missions in the area.” The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing this partnership was inked during the 74th International Astronautical Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“This marks an exciting juncture, and we aspire to adapt our platforms for forthcoming lunar missions. It exemplifies how partners with complementary technologies and expertise can collaborate to deliver value to our clients,” Mr. Lopez noted. He emphasized that HEX20’s seasoned team, internally developed innovative technologies, and a reliable supply chain are the core elements enabling them to provide cost-effective solutions to the space market.

Furthermore, Mr. Lopez underscored HEX20’s unique position to foster successful partnerships with local and international enterprises, thereby enhancing Australia’s space capabilities.

About HEX20 Pty Ltd (https://hex20.com.au/)
HEX20 is an innovative Australian SmallSat company providing cost-effective platforms, customized hardware, and advanced sensor technologies for the CubeSat and SmallSat markets. HEX20’s products are derived from flight heritage programs and have a proven assurance for successful mission completion. HEX20 aims to deliver solutions to the LEO and Cis-Lunar market, focusing on making these qualified hardware platforms more intelligent, cost-effective, reliable, and easily accessible for commercial, defense, and academic applications.

HEX20 offers a versatile range of options, from compact 3U platforms for academic missions to robust 27U designs for mission-critical projects, with customizable payload space, computing power, avionics, pointing accuracy, and communication solutions to meet specific mission needs.

About ispace, inc. (https://ispace-inc.com/)
ispace, a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.”, specializes in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon.

ispace has offices in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States with more than 250 employees worldwide. ispace technologies U.S., inc. is part of a team led by Draper, which was awarded a NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Program contract to land on the far side of the Moon. Both ispace, and ispace EUROPE S.A. (ispace EU) were awarded contracts to collect and transfer ownership of lunar regolith to NASA, and ispace EU was selected by ESA to be part of the Science Team for PROSPECT, a program which seeks to extract water on the Moon.

Established in 2010, ispace operated “HAKUTO” which was one of five finalist teams in the Google Lunar XPRIZE race. ispace’s first mission, part of its HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program, launched on Dec. 11, 2022, from the United States on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and completed 8 of 10 mission milestones. Subsequent missions are in development with launches expected in 2024 and 2026. ispace has also launched a lunar data business concept to support new customers as a gateway to conduct business on the Moon.

About Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited (https://skyroot.in/)
Skyroot Aerospace, headquartered in Hyderabad, India, stands as the country’s leading private space launch vehicle company. Distinguished by its groundbreaking achievements, Skyroot has accomplished the simultaneous development and validation of solid, liquid, and cryogenic propulsion technologies. Notably, they have harnessed advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, such as carbon fibre structures, miniaturized avionics, and 3D printed engines, With the Vikram series achieving a momentous milestone, Skyroot made history in 2022 by launching India’s first private launch vehicle, solidifying its pioneering role in India’s private space ecosystem. As they gear up for the orbital launch of the Vikram series later this year, Skyroot remains steadfast in its mission to “Open Space for All.”

UAE FLAT SAT

The UAE Flat Sat mission is a strategic initiative undertaken by HEX20, in collaboration with UAE Space Agency, with the primary goal of providing comprehensive training and development for the design and engineering of FlatSat models. The ultimate objective of this mission is to deliver state-of-the-art FlatSat engineering models to UAE Space Academy.HEX20 has played a pivotal role as the expert training partner throughout the UAE Flat Sat project, leveraging their in-depth knowledge and industry expertise to design and implement a robust training program. This program is specifically tailored to equip UAE Space Agency’s team with the skills, techniques, and knowledge required to excel in FlatSat engineering.

The training and development program under the UAE Flat Sat mission encompasses various topics, including advanced design principles, efficient manufacturing techniques, rigorous testing methodologies, and crucial quality assurance processes. It also emphasizes practical hands-on experiences and workshops to ensure participants gain valuable insights and real-world problem-solving capabilities. UAE Space Agency’s team honed their skills and expertise, benefiting from the valuable guidance and support provided by HEX20. Three cutting-edge FlatSat models were delivered to UAE Space Academy, meeting their specifications and requirements. The delivery of these three Flat Sat engineering models to UAE Space Academy marks a significant milestone for HEX20 and UAE Space Agency and the broader space technology industry. The UAE Flat Sat mission exemplifies the power of collaboration, expertise, and customer focus in delivering groundbreaking solutions and propelling the space exploration domain forward.

UAE Flat Sat mission represents a successful training, development, and collaboration journey, leading to the delivery of top-of-the-line Flat Sat engineering models. It showcases the commitment of HEX20 and the UAE Space Agency to excellence and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the space technology landscape.

 

UAE FlatSAT Hex20
UAE FlatSAT Hex20

SAISI 3U MISSION

The Taiwan SAISI 3U Mission represents a groundbreaking 3U custom CubeSat platform mission, forged through a collaborative partnership between Hex20 and National Central University Taiwan. Led by Hex20, this mission marks a momentous occasion as it signifies Australia’s inaugural satellite built for export, showcasing the nation’s advancements in space technology on the global stage.

At the core of this mission lies the satellite platform provided by Hex20. The 3U custom CubeSat platform stands as a testament to Hex20’s engineering expertise, offering adaptability and reliability to accommodate a range of scientific instruments and payloads.

The mission’s focal point is the pivotal AIS SDR (Automatic Identification System Software-Defined Radio) research payload, meticulously developed by NCU Taiwan. Combining AIS and software-defined radio capabilities, the AIS SDR payload enables real-time maritime tracking and identification of ships and vessels. This research payload plays a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, preventing accidents, monitoring maritime activities, and optimizing shipping routes for enhanced efficiency.

The seamless collaboration between Hex20 and National Central University Taiwan ensures the successful integration of the AIS SDR payload into the CubeSat platform, laying the foundation for a triumphant mission.

Through this groundbreaking mission, the Taiwan SAISI 3U team aspires to inspire space ambitions and contribute to the world’s understanding of space exploration. The Taiwan SAISI 3U Mission serves as a beacon of innovation, cooperation, and international collaboration, exemplifying the spirit of progress and discovery in the vast cosmos. As the Taiwan SAISI 3U Mission embarks on its celestial journey, it promises to leave an enduring legacy in the realms of science, space research, and international cooperation.

FOG 3U MISSION

The FOG 3U Mission stands as a pioneering 3U CubeSat platform mission, a testament to collaborative efforts between Hex20 and National Central University – Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering (NCU – CAPE). At the core of this venture is the satellite platform, meticulously engineered by Hex20. This 3U CubeSat platform boasts robustness and versatility, providing a stable and adaptable foundation for the payload and scientific instruments.

The crucial payload for this mission is FOG (Fiber Optic Gyroscope) from NCU – CAPE. The FOG payload represents state-of-the-art technology, offering highly precise and accurate orientation and navigational data. Its exceptional capabilities make it ideal for guiding and stabilizing the CubeSat during its mission, ensuring precise positioning and data collection.

Together, the FOG 3U Mission in collaboration with Hex20 & National Central University – Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering (NCU – CAPE) aims to expand our knowledge of space, collect valuable data, and showcase the potential of collaborative efforts in driving the future of space exploration. With cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art payloads, and seamless teamwork, this mission promises to inspire new frontiers in space research and pave the way for even more remarkable discoveries in the cosmos.

COSPAR 3U MISSION

The COSPAR 3U Mission marks Hex20’s innovative and collaborative venture in space exploration, joining forces with Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP – USA), National Central University – Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering (NCU – CAPE), Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales (LATMOS – France), and Skyroot Aerospace – India to launch a 3U CubeSat platform mission with a comprehensive payload. Led by Hex20, this mission combines cutting-edge technology and expertise from multiple industry leaders.

The satellite platform, expertly engineered by Hex20, serves as the backbone of the mission, providing a robust and adaptable 3U CubeSat platform for seamless integration and deployment of the payloads. LASP – USA, NCU – CAPE and LATMOS contribute their state-of-the-art payloads to the mission, including a Sun Sensor, Dosimeter and IR Sensor, respectively.The Dosimeter from NCU, plays a vital role in monitoring and recording radiation exposure during the mission, providing essential data for future space endeavours. LASP Sun Sensor offers precise sun tracking capabilities, optimizing the satellite’s orientation and power generation through efficient solar panel utilization. Meanwhile, LATMOS IR Sensor captures thermal data for comprehensive Earth observation, enabling climate monitoring and aiding disaster response and resource management efforts.

Skyroot Aerospace is the Launch Vehicle Partner, leveraging its expertise in launch services to deploy the CubeSat into its designated orbit with precision and safety.

Through this collaborative endeavour, the COSPAR 3U Mission promises to advance our understanding of space radiation, optimize satellite performance, and enhance Earth observation capabilities. The synergy between Hex20, LASP, NACU, LATMOS and Skyroot Aerospace represents a significant leap forward in space technology, fostering exploration and discovery in the cosmos and inspiring future missions with its groundbreaking achievements.

HEX20 TECH DEMO MISSIONS

Hex20 embarks on an ambitious technical Demo Mission, focused on Research and Development, utilizing both 3U and 6U Cube Satellite platforms. At the heart of this mission lies a High Efficiency, Low Power, System on Chip (SoC) equipped with military-grade encryption, ensuring a highly secure link between the satellites and the ground station for data transmission.

The deployment of both 3U and 6U Cube Satellite platforms showcases Hex20’s commitment to versatility and innovation. These platforms offer the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of scientific instruments and payloads, enabling comprehensive research and experimentation in space.

The High Efficiency, Low Power, System on Chip (SoC) represents a breakthrough in space technology, optimizing power consumption to extend mission endurance and enhance data collection efficiency. The incorporation of military-grade encryption ensures the utmost protection of communications, safeguarding critical data and preventing unauthorized access during the mission.

Partnering with Skyroot Aerospace as the launch partner ensures a seamless and precise liftoff, propelling the Cube Satellites into their designated orbits with reliability and precision. Skyroot Aerospace’s expertise in launch services strengthens the mission’s success and efficiency.

Hex20’s technical demo mission embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation, pushing the boundaries of space research. As this mission unfolds, it promises to yield valuable insights, inspiring future advancements in space technology and contributing to the growing body of knowledge in the realm of space science. The mission stands as a testament to Hex20’s dedication to research and development, driving progress in space exploration for the betterment of humanity.

Australia, India sign 6 memorandums for collaboration in space technology

Australia and India signed six new industry-to-industry memorandums for collaboration, with the aim to boost commercial space ties, at Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX).

The Australian delegation was led by the head of the Australian Space Agency (ASA), Enrico Palermo.

“Our commercial space sectors are at similar levels of development, making us perfect partners. We also recognise the significance of India’s national space programme and are glad to be supporting the inspirational Gaganyaan human space flight mission,” Palermo said.

Space Machines Company (SMC), an Australian start-up developing space transportation capability to insert small satellites into desired LEO, GEO, and Cislunar orbits, will collaborate with Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence manufacturer Ananth Technologies on product integration, testing, technology development and joint-space missions.

Similarly, Australian start-up HEX20 will work with Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace to provide launch services, spacecraft avionics and components to Australian space initiatives. This company builds satellite platforms, mission services, and their subsystems and closely works with government-funded defence systems, commercial projects, and academic space missions. They are associated with lunar and Mars missions.

HEX20 is one of the nine global space start-ups to join Australia’s first space dedicated incubator programme under the University of South Australia’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC) in the Venture Catalyst Space programme, supported by the South Australian Government’s Space Innovation Fund.

Another Australia-based company, QL Space, will partner with Skyroot Aerospace to further develop launch facilities in Australia and support joint mineral exploration missions in space. QL Space is based in Perth, known as Australia’s resources, mining and mining technology capital. QL Space aims to develop disruptive new space technology that transforms the sector through remote sensing satellites, sensors, data, and deep learning (AI+ML). They aim to bring transformative changes that benefit defence, mining, agriculture, the environment, and future space missions. This company has apparently a long-term vision to advance space mining, exploration of Near-Earth Objects (NEO), hyperspectral image processing and advanced sensors hosted on satellite.

QL Space will also partner with Chennai-based GalaxEye to develop a hybrid optic and radar payload to reduce the adverse environmental impact of critical mineral exploration in Australia and beyond. QL Space and Bengaluru-based SatSure will also work together to build satellite and AI-based solutions to support the agriculture, mining and defence industries, and apply this technology to the outer space environment.

Australia’s SABRN Health and Altdata and India’s DCube will work together on the development and integration of hardware, sensor technology and software to provide health support to astronauts. SABRN Health is looking at the development of a payload version of an emergency-surgical room, that can be used for faster extraction of injured personnel from austere environments (including the lunar surface).

Altdata uses data for building intelligent systems and aims to solve the inadequacy of real-world data with synthetic data. Its team specialises in technology that can generate accurate human error less metadata critical for training.

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