AAC Clyde Space has won its first order for its 16U EPIC satellite to be delivered and commissioned by June 2026. The total order value is EUR 2.3 M (approx. SEK 27.0 M). The satellite will be part of the ESA OPS-SAT VOLT mission and will be capable of hosting multiple payloads.
The mission, led by Craft Prospect Ltd. (CPL) is part of ESA's ARTES Scylight programme. It aims to test and evaluate groundbreaking real-time techniques and technologies with a focus on optical and quantum direct to earth communication.
The mission's objective is to demonstrate products and services within a Versatile Optical Laboratory for Telecommunications (VOLT). Several capability demonstrations are planned, including quantum key delivery, optical communications, and hyperspectral imagery capture for climate resilience applications. Payload experimentation will be facilitated through a secure, reconfigurable high-performance computing system.
"We are looking forward to working with AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow to develop our unique in-orbit capability with UK partners and wider ESA members to demonstrate products and services for next generation missions in assured end to end processing chains and secure quantum optical communications" says Craft Prospect Managing Director Steve Greenland.
"We are thrilled to receive the first order for the largest satellite solution to date. This will become an integrated part of one of Europe's most innovative and important space missions. The size of the satellite makes it feasible for it to carry several payloads increasing its usefulness and appeal," says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.