SAIC, a contractor providing services for U.S. defense, has collaborated with GomSpace, a spacecraft manufacturer, to secure its initial contract with the Pentagon for the incorporation of a small satellite.
The Manufacturing Science and Technology Program of the Office of the Secretary of Defense has granted SAIC an undisclosed commitment to design and deploy a satellite showcasing advanced space technologies such as software-defined radio communications, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and a “zero-trust” cybersecurity framework.
The partnership between SAIC and GomSpace North America, established over a year ago to focus on the design, production, deployment, and operation of small satellites, represents a significant achievement for SAIC’s space portfolio.
David Ray, the executive vice president of SAIC’s Space and Intelligence Business Group, informed SpaceNews that the satellite will be integrated at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina. He emphasized that this project underscores the increasing utilization of small satellites in defense applications.
Ray described the Charleston facility as “our sandbox,” enabling collaboration on various payload services and small satellite bus services.
Collaborators include GomSpace and ThermAvant
GomSpace North America, the U.S. subsidiary of Denmark’s GomSpace Group, will manage the space program for this project. Additionally, SAIC may engage with ThermAvant Technologies, a provider of advanced heat pipe solutions for space systems.
Frank Tobin, the president and CEO of GomSpace North America, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with SAIC on this critical mission for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Joe Boswell, the co-founder and CEO of ThermAvant Technologies, outlined the objective of developing a power-efficient spacecraft that maximizes energy output relative to its size and weight. He explained that they have designed alternative mechanical structures with embedded heat pipes to enhance thermal performance and reduce size and weight.
The CubeSat aims to set a new benchmark for computational capabilities on a compact platform, with a target launch date in 2025. By enabling AI and machine learning processing “at the edge” in space, the satellite can efficiently handle data with minimal latency.
A spokesperson from SAIC highlighted that with increased computational power in orbit, there is reduced reliance on transmitting data back to Earth for processing and user communication, resulting in significant latency reduction in decision-making processes.
The Defense Manufacturing Science and Technology Program of the Pentagon oversees research and development investments in critical manufacturing technologies essential for U.S. defense, aligning with the broader initiative to advance AI and next-generation computing for national security in conjunction with the satellite project.
