Satsearch podcast discusses with Alén Space the evolution and future of CubeSat technology

November 20, 2024

The podcast ‘The Space Industry’ from Satsearch, which examines the role of the most relevant companies in the New Space sector, has once again featured Alén Space.

In episode 73, titled ‘The ongoing evolution of CubeSat technology’, the show, hosted by Narayan Prasad, interviewed Antonio Vázquez, co-founder and Head of Business Development at Alén Space.

During the 30-minute conversation, the program delved into various topics related to Alén Space and the small satellite market:

  • The evolution of CubeSat technology in recent years.
  • The main market trends in the design and manufacturing of small satellites.
  • The importance of cybersecurity in space, with relevant missions like CyberCUBE, driven by the European Space Agency (ESA) and led by GMV, with Alén Space’s participation.
  • The development of missions aimed at providing innovative positioning, navigation, and timing solutions, such as the ESA’s LEO-PNT project, once again led by GMV in collaboration with Alén Space, OHB System AG, Beyond Gravity, and Indra.
  • The push for 5G communication missions for the Internet of Things (IoT), like the constellation launched by Sateliot with Alén Space’s participation.
  • The roadmap and future plans of Alén Space.

In contrast to industry statistics, Antonio Vázquez emphasized that “all of our CubeSats have always worked once in space, all the missions have been successful, which is something we have as a flagship of our DNA.”

For over 15 years, the Alén Space team has specialized in developing innovative technology and complete missions for clients worldwide. According to the company’s Head of Business Development, these two lines are closely connected: “It’s like a wheel: you develop the technology that allows you to go for more contracts, which in turn allows you to develop more technology, and so on.”

Antonio Vázquez acknowledges that Alén Space is working on new products and solutions, but without obsessing over satellite size, even though the market trend points toward larger satellites. “Right now, we’re working up to 16U, but we don’t limit or block ourselves with that. On our roadmap, we can see larger or different types of satellites, but ultimately, we are always focused on the technology, the market, and the added value for the customer—not just going bigger because everyone else is doing it. That wouldn’t be useful for our customers,” he explains.

In this regard, Alén Space’s co-founder is clear on where the focus should be: “At the end, what really matters is the application, the performance, and the market. I don’t know how the market will evolve or whether it will stabilize at any specific size, because maybe we’ll find a standard that fits everything. In any case, I’m not too worried because I know that whatever the future holds, we’ll be ready to provide the solution that delivers value for the customer.”

Listen to the full episode:

< Alén Space introduces DARA OBC: its low-power, high-performance On-Board Computer