Cubesat carries first 3D-printed space antenna

Dubbed IOD-1 GEMS, the miniaturised weather observing and forecasting technology is the first of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) Programme, which is funded by Innovate UK. It is also the first satellite in Orbital Micro Systems’ (OMS) Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) constellation.

“Through the support and collaboration with Satellite Applications Catapult and other IOD team members, OMS is now positioned to be a market leader in gathering and delivering actionable comprehensive, accurate, and frequent weather data,” said William Hosack, CEO of OMS, which is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado and has expanded to Edinburgh.

OMS’ Passive Microwave Sounder instrument is said to be less than a quarter of the size and over 70kg lighter than the existing equivalent, which has reduced deployment costs by 95 per cent.

After deployment, the satellite will gather and transmit atmospheric observation data which will be aligned and integrated with other atmospheric and weather datasets at OMS’ International Center for Earth Data (ICED) in Edinburgh. In use, airlines and maritime operators will be able to use the satellite’s data to plan routes that optimise weather conditions, reducing delays, fuel consumption and emissions while increasing safety.