New Space España Conference, Vigo, Spain 

Oxford Space Systems is pleased to announce the successful delivery of its large VHF isoflux helical antenna for Startical's ECHOES project, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of space-based air traffic management (ATM). The antenna, nearly 4 metres in length and designed to operate within the 117MHz to 138MHz range, is a crucial component of the ECHOES initiative, contributing to enhanced global communication and surveillance capabilities for ATM purposes.

Oxford Space Systems has worked closely with Startical, a joint venture between Indra and Enaire, to ensure complete alignment with the mission requirements and seamless integration with the satellite. This collaboration underscores the commitment of all parties to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the demanding standards of the ECHOES project.

The ECHOES project, spearheaded by Startical, aims to prove the viability of space-based communications and surveillance capabilities for ATM services in a real scenario. This concept will revolutionise air navigation through a constellation of satellites that provide global VHF communication. The antenna developed by Oxford Space Systems, as ECHOES project subcontractor, is a critical component in ensuring the project's success, particularly in remote areas where reliable communication is essential.

Sean Sutcliffe, CEO of Oxford Space Systems, commented: "Delivering this VHF isoflux helical antenna for the ECHOES project is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Oxford Space Systems team working together with Startical and Indra. Supported by the UK Space Agency through ESA's General Support Technology Programme, we have developed an antenna that meets the demanding requirements of this ground breaking project in record time. Our close collaboration with Startical and Indra ensured that our design was well aligned with the mission needs and integrated seamlessly with the satellite."

Enrique González Laguna, CEO of Startical, emphasised the importance of the antenna: "The antenna provided by Oxford Space Systems is a key element in the success of our mission. Its innovative design and reliability are crucial as we continue to advance through our initial satellite constellation, the ECHOES project, in the development of the critical technologies which aims to enhance global air traffic management through space-based solutions."

Jose Antonio Viceira, Head of LEO Satellites and Constellations Programs at Indra, added: "Indra is pleased to collaborate with Oxford Space Systems in delivering this advanced VHF isoflux helical antenna for the ECHOES project. The close working relationship we have maintained with Oxford Space Systems has been instrumental in developing this satellite on a very demanding schedule."

The ECHOES project, performed within SESAR Joint Undertaken (SJU) framework and formed by Nav Portugal, DLR, Crida and Mitiga, has received substantial funding from the European Union, supported by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the grant agreement number 101079448. This financial backing, along with the technical expertise of Oxford Space Systems, Startical, and Indra, ensures that the project will set new standards in air traffic management, particularly in regions where traditional systems are less effective.

For more information, please contact: 

explore@oxford.space for Oxford Space Systems 

startical@startical.com for Startical

ejimenezbl@indra.es for Indra

About Oxford Space Systems:

Oxford Space Systems is a UK venture capital-backed, growth-stage space technology business founded in 2013 with a vision to be the global leader in deployable antennas for space.

Oxford Space Systems moved into its custom-built facility on the Harwell Campus in October 2018 and, in 2022, established a metal mesh manufacturing capability alongside its antenna assembly and integration facility, configured to deliver batches of antennas for customers' satellite constellation programmes.

In January 2023, Oxford Space Systems opened a new composite manufacturing facility in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, to scale up internal capability to manufacture composite materials and components for deployable antennas.

About Startical:

Startical is a public-private initiative for satellite technological innovation created by ENAIRE and Indra. The goal of Startical is to develop and deploy a constellation of small satellites at low altitude to enhance air traffic management with a global service vision across the entire planet. Startical aims to build and launch a satellite platform that will expand surveillance and communication coverage with aircraft, especially over vast oceanic or remote areas without coverage from ground-based air navigation infrastructure systems. Startical will be the first satellite platform for air navigation that includes, alongside aircraft position surveillance services (ADS-B), a VHF radio communication system between the controller and the pilot compliant with aeronautical standards. This represents a differentiating factor compared to similar initiatives. These new services will enhance safety, capacity, efficiency, and punctuality of flights, providing clear benefits for both airlines and passengers.

For more information, please visit www.startical.com.

About Indra:

Indra is a leading Spanish multinational and one of the foremost global defence, air traffic and space companies that, through technology, protects our current way of life and anticipates the needs of the future. Its committed team of experts, its in-depth knowledge of the business and the latest technologies, and its unique innovation and systems integration capabilities make it the trusted technology partner for key operations and digitalisation for its customers around the world. Thanks to its leadership in major European programs and projects, as well as its spirit of collaboration and partnership strategy, it drives the industrial and innovative ecosystem in these sectors.

At the end of the financial year 2023, Indra Group had revenues of 4,343 million euros, more than 57,000 employees, local presence in 46 countries and commercial operations in more than 140 countries.

For more information, please visit www.indracompany.com.

About Enaire:

Enaire is the Spanish Air Navigation Service Provider and the fourth-largest European air traffic manager. Throughout 2023, Enaire managed 22% of flights in Europe transporting 283 million passengers along 2.2 million flights. As a Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility company, it provides en-route control services for all domestic and international flights through its five control centres based in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Gran Canaria and Palma de Mallorca, as well as the approaches to all the airports throughout the country. In addition, 46 airports receive Enaire’s communication, navigation and surveillance services and the maintenance of their air traffic management systems, and 21 airports have their own airbase air traffic control services, including those with the highest volumes of traffic in the country.

For more information, please visit www.enaire.es.