Alén Space presents the first in-orbit results of the SATMAR mission
March 9, 2026
Alén Space has presented the first in-orbit results of the SATMAR mission, designed to advance the digitalisation of maritime communications through the new VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) standard.
As part of the Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF 2026), Alén Space’s Chief Technology Officer, Alberto González, outlined the mission objectives, the satellite architecture based on a 6U CubeSat platform, and the payload configuration featuring two TREVO SDR units for AIS/VDES, feeder link and spectrum monitoring in the VHF, S and L bands. He also reviewed the launch, LEOP and commissioning phases, which have been successfully completed, confirming SATMAR’s proper performance since its launch in June 2025.
One of the key points of the presentation was the demonstrator pilot campaign carried out in Algeciras in December 2025, in collaboration with Egatel, the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras and the company Oritia & Boreas. The validation of the first use cases confirmed the objectives set for the project, which is funded through the Ports 4.0 programme promoted by Puertos del Estado and the Spanish Port Authorities.
SATMAR is now entering a new phase in its roadmap. The mission will incorporate improvements to the AIS payload and will launch a dedicated spectrum monitoring campaign across different frequency bands, with the aim of enabling new signal intelligence (SIGINT) applications based on the results obtained and the experience gained in orbit.
Updates on the evolution of TREVO and the ANSER mission
Within the technical programme of SSSIF 2026, Alén Space also showcased recent developments in TREVO, its high-performance software-defined radio (SDR) solution. The company highlighted the improvements introduced in the radio frequency modules through advanced electromagnetic simulation methodologies.
In addition, the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) presented the results of the ANSER mission and highlighted the performance of the inter-satellite communication system (ISL) developed by Alén Space. This Earth observation project, composed of a cluster of three small satellites, aims to monitor water quality in Spanish reservoirs and dams, study global warming caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and analyse the impact of solar radiation on our planet.
Advances in the evolution of TREVO and updates on the SATMAR and ANSER missions consolidate Alén Space as a reference in the development of advanced communications technologies for small satellites, reinforcing its ability to deliver innovative solutions to the international space sector.