GomSpace selected by Proteus Space to support AI-designed satellite mission

GomSpace selected by Proteus Space to support AI-designed satellite mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 30, 2024

GomSpace North America has been awarded a $250,000 (2.6 MSEK) contract to provide critical components and technical expertise for an ambitious new satellite mission led by Proteus Space. The mission aims to establish a world record in satellite design, assembly, and testing speed, enabled by Proteus Space's innovative AI-driven design platform, MERCURY.

Proteus Space, recognized for its advancements in rapid satellite system development, will use MERCURY to design the world's first AI-engineered satellite. This technology demonstration satellite will also showcase MERCURY's capability to autonomously select optimal components, factoring in flight heritage, technical suitability, and reliability among numerous aerospace vendors. GomSpace was chosen based on these criteria for its established track record and dependable technology.

MERCURY's AI-driven selection platform is designed to expedite every phase of satellite development. Proteus expects to achieve record-setting speeds, completing the satellite's end-to-end design, integration, and testing within a 10-month window - a timeline previously unseen for an ESPA-class satellite. David Kervin, CEO and co-founder of Proteus Space, noted the platform's sophisticated selection parameters: "The AI-enabled capabilities of MERCURY automated custom satellite bus design system allow it to autonomously select components from our proprietary database based on TRL level, lead times, cost, performance specifications and more." He added, "GomSpace's flight heritage, leading-edge technology, and exceptional customer support made them a standout choice for our mission. Their commitment to quality and product reliability will ensure the success of our groundbreaking ESPA class mission."

Under this collaboration, GomSpace will supply essential components for the satellite's core systems and provide technical guidance to enhance performance and system integration.

Frank Tobin, President and CEO of GomSpace North America, shared the company's enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are thrilled to partner with Proteus Space on such an innovative project. To have been selected by the world's first high-fidelity, physics-based, AI-enabled, automated satellite design platform, 'MERCURY' - which independently identifies the best suppliers based on strict performance criteria - validates our commitment to quality and continued investment in technology and customer success."

Set for launch in October 2025, the mission will also include four payloads from government research partners and the UC Davis Center for Spaceflight Research, underscoring the significance of this partnership for advancing both military and commercial satellite applications.