Today, the "IOD-1" satellite built by GomSpace for Startical has been launched into space from California on SpaceX Falcon 9, Transporter-13 and start its commissioning and demonstration activities.

With the satellite, Startical is taking its first steps in space towards their vision of deploying a global constellation of small satellites to provide continuous real-time communication with aircraft over oceanic or unpopulated areas where no such services are in operation today. This includes areas such as e.g. the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctics.

Such a constellation will significantly contribute to aviation safety, security, efficiency and emission reductions of at least 13 million tons per year when fully deployed (equivalent to total annual emissions from a country like Slovenia).

The 25 kg satellite and its novel VHF communication payload are developed and delivered by GomSpace in close collaboration with Startical. Once in space the satellite will deploy its 3-meter-long antenna enabling direct communication with aircraft.

"We are super excited to see IOD-1 go into space today! And we thank GomSpace for their dedication and constructive collaboration to reach this goal. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration during the test and demonstration activities," said Juan Enrique González Laguna, General Manager of Startical

The mission control center solution, also delivered by GomSpace, is deployed in Madrid and will be used to manage the test and demonstration activities that primarily will be conducted in the Gran Canarian airspace.

"We are proud to enable Startical to launch this exciting mission that will make a big impact for the future of aviation," said Oliver Schiewe, Vice President of Programs Business Unit at GomSpace.

The mission is the first-of-its kind demonstration of operational space-based air traffic control under the umbrella of the ECHOES project, co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and supported by SESAR Joint Undertaking.

The industrial cross border collaboration demonstrated in this project is a good example of European collaborative innovation leading to new strengths in space during challenging times. 

For more information about GomSpace and the relationship with Startical, please visit GOMspace | GomSpace and Startical restart their collaboration

For more information, please contact:
Anne Breüner (Head of Corporate Affairs)
Tel: +45 40 200 192
E-mail: anbr @ gomspace.com

About GomSpace Group AB
The company's business operations are mainly conducted through the wholly-owned Danish subsidiary, GomSpace A/S, with operational office in Aalborg, Denmark. GomSpace is a space company with a mission to be engaged in the global market for space systems and services by introducing new products, i.e. components, platforms and systems based on innovation within professional nanosatellites. The company is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier exchange under the ticker GOMX. FNCA Sweden AB is the Company's Certified Adviser. For more information, please visit our website on www.gomspace.com.