Airbus has launched its Space Accelerator program, partnering with Plexal to support startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academics in entering and expanding across the space industry. The program is part of Airbus’ Community for Space Prosperity initiative, aiming to develop the UK’s space ecosystem. Ten companies have been selected for the first cohort, including ANGOKA, founded by four serial entrepreneurs with five exits, including two IPOs, which develops cyber security solutions for smart systems.
Other companies include Applied Atomics, building a rapid response network in space; Aquark Technologies, improving quantum systems; BioOrbit, creating a pharmaceuticals factory in space; and Calnex Solutions, designing test and measurement instrumentation for the telecoms industry. The program will provide access to Airbus Defence and Space’s expertise, enabling businesses to gain knowledge of the commercial space sector and build their network.
The Airbus Space Accelerator: Empowering Startups to Conquer the Cosmos
The Airbus Space Accelerator, a collaborative initiative between Plexal and Airbus Defence and Space, has officially taken off, marking a significant milestone in the development of the UK’s space ecosystem. This program is part of the broader Airbus Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) initiative, which aims to foster innovation and growth in the space industry.
The accelerator program received submissions from a diverse range of companies, including existing spacetech firms and businesses working on hardware and software technologies with potential use cases in space. The selected candidates will benefit from the extensive space and technical expertise at Airbus Defence and Space, which boasts over 3,000 UK employees across multiple sites. This support will enable these businesses to gain valuable insights into the commercial space sector and expand their network to propel their technology forward.
Cybersecurity and Communication: ANGOKA’s Secure Solutions
ANGOKA, a 34-employee SME with headquarters in Belfast and offices in London and The Hague, has developed cyber security solutions for smart systems. Founded by four serial entrepreneurs with a track record of success, including two IPOs, ANGOKA offers secure end-to-end, machine-to-machine communication over any data link. This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate in space.
ANGOKA’s technology is designed to provide robust security for smart systems, ensuring that data transmission remains secure and reliable. By leveraging their expertise in cybersecurity, ANGOKA aims to address the pressing need for secure communication in space-based applications. As the space industry continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated.
Propulsion Systems: Applied Atomics’ Rapid Response Network
Applied Atomics is building the world’s first rapid response network in space, capable of providing rapid response services to any location on Earth within minutes, not months. This ambitious project relies on an innovative propulsion system that utilizes water as fuel, one of the universe’s most ubiquitous resources.
The implications of Applied Atomics’ technology are far-reaching, with potential applications in various fields, including search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and satellite maintenance. By leveraging their expertise in propulsion systems, Applied Atomics aims to transform the way we respond to emergencies and conduct space-based operations.
Quantum Systems: Aquark Technologies’ Innovative Approach
Aquark Technologies, a startup focused on improving the size, weight, power, and cost of quantum systems based on cold matter, is poised to accelerate the development and adoption of sensors built on this platform. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with quantum technology, Aquark aims to unlock new possibilities for space-based applications.
Aquark’s innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including navigation, spectroscopy, and magnetometry. As the space industry continues to evolve, the importance of compact, efficient, and cost-effective quantum systems cannot be overstated. By leveraging their expertise in quantum technology, Aquark aims to enable new possibilities for space exploration and development.
Biotechnology: BioOrbit’s Pharmaceutical Factory in Space
BioOrbit is building a pharmaceuticals factory in space, with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing cancer treatment and disrupting the antibody market. Through hardware for large-scale crystallization of proteins, BioOrbit can provide a transition from intravenous (injecting into a vein) to subcutaneous (injecting under the skin) administration of cancer treatments.
BioOrbit’s innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we develop and administer pharmaceuticals. By leveraging their expertise in biotechnology, BioOrbit aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. As the space industry continues to evolve, the importance of space-based biotechnology cannot be overstated.
Test and Measurement Instrumentation: Calnex Solutions’ Portfolio
Calnex Solutions, a UK company, designs, produces, and markets test and measurement instrumentation and solutions for the telecoms and cloud computing industries. Their portfolio includes innovative exercise equipment, training solutions, astronaut monitoring, and exercise programming.
Calnex’s technology is designed to provide robust testing and measurement capabilities for various applications, including space-based systems. By leveraging their expertise in test and measurement instrumentation, Calnex aims to enable the development of more reliable and efficient space-based systems.
Green Propulsion: LIA Aerospace’s Novel Approach
LIA Aerospace, a green propulsion company, designs and manufactures novel propulsion systems utilizing non-toxic fuels for purposes including satellite maneuvering, enhancing versatility of satellite deployment by boosting launch vehicles capacity, descent maneuvers for lunar and Mars landers, and responsive defense applications.
LIA Aerospace’s innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we conduct space-based operations. By leveraging their expertise in green propulsion, LIA aims to reduce the environmental impact of space exploration and development.
Electric Plasma Thrusters: Magdrive’s High-Power Solutions
Magdrive is developing high-power electric plasma thrusters for satellites in low Earth orbit today, with plans to expand to deep space and beyond tomorrow. Their technology provides a magnitude improvement in maneuverability at low mass and low volume, enabling entirely new missions and business models.
Magdrive’s innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including satellite maintenance, asteroid deflection, and interplanetary travel. By leveraging their expertise in electric plasma thrusters, Magdrive aims to unlock new possibilities for space exploration and development.
Exercise Hardware Solutions: Physical Mind London’s Comprehensive Portfolio
Physical Mind London develops astronaut and parastronaut exercise hardware solutions, providing comprehensive solutions for human exercise healthcare in low Earth orbit and lunar space stations. Their portfolio includes innovative exercise equipment, training solutions, astronaut monitoring, and exercise programming.
Physical Mind London’s technology is designed to provide robust exercise capabilities for astronauts and parastronauts, ensuring that they remain healthy and productive during extended space missions. By leveraging their expertise in exercise hardware solutions, Physical Mind London aims to enable the development of more sustainable and efficient space-based systems.
STEM Education: Yondar’s Vision
Yondar has a vision to maximize the number of students choosing STEM, staying in STEM, and graduating in STEM. They engage students with exciting STEM activities, including space technologies, and provide nano satellite design courses, international competition, and satellite launching services for a complete space science solution.
Yondar’s innovative approach has the potential to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. By leveraging their expertise in STEM education, Yondar aims to foster a culture of innovation and exploration, driving progress in the space industry and beyond.
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