ASX-listed nano-satellite telecommunications provider Sky & Space Global is readying to launch its 3 diamond nano satellites with the scheduled launch set in late May.
The company (ASX:SAS) has now confirmed the launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISPRO) from its launch site at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
Sky and Space Global’s CEO Meir Moalem says confirmation of the 3 Diamonds launch schedule is a substantial milestone for the company and precedes the first in-flight commercial demonstration of SAS’s technology and business model.
“We are excited to have the launch window for our 3 Diamonds officially announced. We have made substantial progress in the past 12 months and with our nano-satellites constructed and now ready to launch, we would like to thank shareholders for their continued support.
{loadposition peter}“Launching the 3 Diamonds is a significant commercial milestone for our company. Following the launch and successful demonstration, we expect to be revenue generating within a few months. We will continue our work and preparations for the launch of a full constellation of up to 200 nano-satellites in orbit to achieve full coverage of the equatorial belt by 2020.”
Once launched into space, the nano-satellites will immediately commence an eight-week operation of In-Orbit Tests (IOT) to validate full functionality and performance of all subsystems including communications payload.
Sky and Space Global has previously announced plans to launch up to 200 nano-satellites from mid-2018 using the LauncherOne orbital launch vehicle with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic.
The full constellation of satellites - to be deployed and operational by 2020 - will service equatorial countries in South and Central America, Africa and Asia, as well as airliners and shipping companies in the coverage area.
Sky & Space claims the nano-satellites are about 80% cheaper than traditional satellites and are set to be used to “disrupt the telco space by enabling the provision of cheaper voice, data and instant messaging services”.