SSTL and In-Space announce “Faraday”

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and In-Space Missions Limited (In-Space) have today revealed an opportunity for an ultra-low cost ride to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The in-orbit demonstration Faraday missions, named in honour of Michael Faraday, one of Britain’s greatest experimentalists and scientific communicators, will offer ultra-low cost prices for a ride to LEO starting at $12,000. The Faraday satellite platforms will be designed and manufactured by SSTL making use of their world leading robust space design approach, with In-Space managing the payload interface and providing customers with expert support for design, test and service exploitation.

Sized from 12U to 150kg, the Faraday missions have been designed to support a range of payload interfaces, including a simple USB interface, offering customers a streamlined test and integration campaign. The inaugural mission will provide a six to twelve month qualification and demonstration phase for on-board payloads, followed by a 5 year early service exploitation phase for at least one payload.

Anita Bernie, Director of Platforms at SSTL said “The cost of accessing space on a robust and flight-proven platform has traditionally been out of reach for many small payload providers so I am delighted that SSTL and In-Space are working together on Faraday’s ultra-low cost ride opportunity to LEO orbit.”

“Small payloads will fly at a world-beating price, with some entering an extended revenue generating service phase. The Faraday missions offer new satellite application and service developers a credible and compelling opportunity to kick-start their plans to get into space.” said Doug Liddle, CEO of In-Space Missions Limited.