NanoAvionics Completes Standardization of Nano- and Microsatellite Buses

NanoAvionics Completes Standardization of Nano- and Microsatellite Buses
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) May 30, 2024
During a live broadcast, Kongsberg NanoAvionics ("NanoAvionics") announced the full standardization of its nano- and microsatellite buses. This move aims to cut lead times to as little as four months for bus manufacturing, reduce costs, and enhance reliability. The standardization enables quicker and more cost-effective mission launches. For missions with specific requirements, NanoAvionics continues to offer customized solutions.

NanoAvionics has also launched a new online configuration tool, designed to streamline the ordering process. This tool provides customers with clear information on lead times, prices, and technical details, aligning with mission requirements.

Arnoldas Peciukevicius, director of product and mission development at NanoAvionics, commented, "The standard buses are a culmination of a decade's worth of mission experience and technological advancements. Reducing complexity and barriers to enter space at manufacturing and mission integration level further supports the growth of the NewSpace sector, with the expectation to accelerate it. This in turn enables startups and established firms alike to innovate and expand their space-based services. It also supports other customer segments such as governmental and research institutions."

The industry is now entering NewSpace 3.0, emphasizing mission longevity, performance, reliability, and interoperability. This follows NewSpace 2.0, which saw a surge in private capital funding and commercial launches surpassing governmental launches for the first time. It also led to innovations in launch and satellite technology, new partnerships, and the rise of private satellite constellations.

NanoAvionics's progress is also attributed to the opening of its new MAIT (manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing) facility in Vilnius, Lithuania, last year. This facility has doubled the company's satellite production capacity, further reducing lead times and positioning NanoAvionics to meet the growing demand for satellite constellations and larger satellites by commercial, civil, and governmental organizations.

Within its standardized satellite buses, NanoAvionics offers three configurations (light, mid, and max) for each form factor, catering to diverse mission needs and applications without extensive customization.

"This productisation effort of our standardised satellite buses marks a significant leap forward in the company's mission to streamline satellite deployment and enhance the accessibility of space technology," Peciukevicius added. "Together with our three configurations, our buses have a broad market appeal, from Earth observation to telecommunications and beyond. This reflects NanoAvionics' commitment to facilitating a wider adoption of space technologies. The buses also incorporate the latest in aerospace technology, ensuring high performance, reliability, and high mission success rates."