DLR selects Vyoma for two key small satellite launches

DLR selects Vyoma for two key small satellite launches
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Dec 04, 2023

German-based space technology firm Vyoma has achieved a notable milestone, securing two significant awards at the 2023 SmallSatellite Conference in Berlin. These awards, presented by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), highlight Vyoma's contributions to the small satellite sector and its alignment with Europe's strategic space interests.

Vyoma's double win comprises awards from the Microlauncher Competition and the Small Satellite Competition, both aimed at providing launch opportunities for satellites under 200 kg. These awards are a testament to Vyoma's technological alignment with Germany's and Europe's space strategies. Dr. Anna Christmann, member of the Bundestag and Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy, presented the accolades, underscoring their importance.

Through these awards, Vyoma will enhance its mission to secure space assets, primarily focusing on expanding its in-situ surveillance system. This expansion involves adding two telescopes dedicated to monitoring space objects and debris, down to a few centimeters in size. Vyoma's round-the-clock space traffic monitoring significantly contributes to Europe's Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and geostrategic independence, reducing reliance on non-European data sources. The company's efforts in developing a high-precision catalogue of space debris are crucial for reinforcing Europe's space sovereignty.

As part of the Microlauncher Competition, Vyoma has secured a launch opportunity with the RFA Onelaunch vehicle from Rocket Factory Augsburg. This category also celebrated achievements from other notable entities, including various DLR Institutes, Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Technical University of Munich - WARR e.V., Warsaw University of Technology, EnduroSat, and the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya.

The launch vehicle for Vyoma's award in the Small Satellite Competition will be announced shortly, with the launches anticipated to occur between 2025 and 2026. These awards are not only a recognition of Vyoma's capabilities but also emphasize the strategic importance of advancing space debris monitoring technologies.

Dr. Luisa Buinhas, co-founder and CPO of Vyoma, expressed her gratitude for this significant recognition by the German government. "The sole fact that Vyoma was the only company winning awards across multiple categories is a testament to the current significance of Space Domain Awareness and the importance of space intelligence to Europe's sovereignty, for the safeguarding of the defense and civilian sectors," she stated.