The CCN1 test is a key milestone towards a vertical orbital launch from UK soil
31st October 2024 – In partnership with Viasat and CGI, Skyrora has completed a successful ground test of InRange, a space-based launch vehicle telemetry relay system. This InRange telemetry relay test is a first for the UK commercial space industry. Viasat’s InRange is designed to provide continuous transmission of telemetry data during flight, from launch to payload deployment, reducing reliance on ground station communications and offering added flexibility on launch location.
The static ground test produced usable telemetry data and successfully exhibited InRange’s connectivity over Viasat’s global L-band satellite communication network with Skyrora’s launch vehicle system. Testing latency, interference and other key criteria, the CCN1 test fulfils the initial stage of a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) through the Boost! Commercial Space Transportation Services and Support Programme. Skyrora is now cleared to carry out CCN2, the second stage of the contract, repeating the static test integrating InRange with Skylark L, its 11.6m suborbital vehicle.
Going beyond the utilisation of traditional ground stations, which are limited to connecting with a launch vehicle beyond the horizon line, InRange uses geostationary satellites to enable continuous data transmission between the launch vehicle and the control centre during flight. As such, this collaboration between Skyrora, Viasat, and CGI addresses a key issue for launch vehicle providers and increases flexibility when it comes to choosing launch sites.
Volodymyr Levykin, CEO and Founder of Skyrora, said: “This successful test is a significant step for the global commercial space industry. The InRange telemetry system reduces the likelihood of challenges around recording and transmitting the readings of launch vehicles. As well as saving launch companies millions of pounds, it will offer them more flexibility in launch location and improve their visibility of telemetry data throughout flight, from launch to payload deployment.”
Gary Lay, Vice President of Viasat’s Strategic Programmes, said: “We’re excited to share this successful test as another step towards bringing Viasat’s InRange capability to a growing launch industry. Accurate vehicle telemetry is a critical part of any launch, and InRange is built to provide this valuable data in real time and with greater flexibility and reliability than before. We’re proud to be working with great partners to support the UK with its evolving launch capabilities and are looking forward to moving ahead to the next phase of the program.”
CGI undertook a market study and analysis of ground stations to determine the commercial potential of the solution within the wider launch service provider market.
