April 21st, 2023: US-based Gravity Space LLC and France-based Infinite Orbits SAS are launching a first-of-its-kind GEO small sat mission on 26th April 2023 7.29 pm ET with objectives that include demonstrating Autonomous Vision-based rendezvous capabilities (Orbit Guard™ #1).
Today, the GEO Satellite market is seeing major changes in reaction to increasing competition from satellite constellations. Orbit Guard™ #1 is the first commercially operated satellite of this size in GEO and is paving the way for at least two more GEO missions in 2024 & 2025. Infinite Orbits is building and testing its next-generation patented computer vision capabilities: ‘Autonomous Vision-based Rendezvous GNC System’. This technology will enable cost-effective and safe satellite operations for in-orbit servicing.
“This mission is a stepping stone for future In-Orbit Services, yet, no companies have demonstrated technologies to perform cost-effective In-Orbit Servicing Operations” says Adel Haddoud, CEO of Infinite Orbits.
Infinite Orbits is commercializing GEO in-orbit servicing missions including Orbit Guard™, a small size servicer meant for inspection and SSA, and “Endurance™”, a docking-capable servicer meant for life extension and orbit transfer services scheduled for first operation in 2026. Orbit Guard™ #1 is scheduled to perform LEOP within the first few weeks after launch and then move to perform several demonstration missions across the GEO arc in the upcoming months.
About Gravity Space:
Gravity Space is a U.S.-based Satellite Operator, with years of experience in geostationary satellite design and operations, and space communication technologies.
About Infinite Orbits:
Infinite Orbits is a France-based in-orbit servicing provider that designs and operates satellites to provide in-orbit services to satellite operators.
For more information, visit www.infiniteorbits.io.