AAC Clyde Space is a New Space company specializing in small satellite technologies and services, enabling businesses, governments, and educational organizations to access high-quality, timely data from space. The company was formed in 2019 through the merger of AAC Microtec, based in Uppsala, Sweden, and Clyde Space Ltd., based in Glasgow, United Kingdom. With partner networks in Japan and South Korea, AAC Clyde Space primarily operates in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, and South Africa.
The company's core mission is to improve life on Earth by providing space data and services that address global challenges. AAC Clyde Space focuses on several key areas, such as Space Data as a Service (SDaaS), providing turnkey solutions that empower customers to streamline their space missions, and offering a full range of off-the-shelf and tailor-made subsystems, components, and sensors.
xSPANCION, a three-year project within the European Space Agency's (ESA) ARTES Pioneer program, is a notable project for AAC Clyde Space. This project aims to develop an innovative satellite constellation service, including the manufacturing of 10 spacecraft as part of the initial deployment. xSPANCION is designed to provide space data and services quickly and at a low cost to organizations eager to harness the benefits of space without investing in space-based infrastructure or expertise themselves.
AAC Clyde Space collaborates with the European Space Agency (ESA) on various projects, including the development of onboard artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for small satellites. In this initiative, AAC Clyde Space's subsidiary, AAC Hyperion, is working with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) to enhance satellite efficiency for Earth observation. Additionally, AAC Clyde Space is leading a consortium of UK organizations in partnership with ESA to enhance maritime capabilities from space. The project, known as INFLECION, aims to provide real-time insights for vessels, shipping companies, insurers, environmental agencies, and coastal authorities, thereby boosting efficiency, reducing emissions, and combating illegal activities.
AAC Clyde Space is at the forefront of developing and utilizing advanced technologies to enhance small satellite capabilities. AAC Clyde Space offers the PM200, a bipropellant thruster designed for 3U to 6U CubeSats. This thruster delivers 0.5 N of thrust with a specific impulse of 285 seconds, facilitating efficient in-orbit maneuvers and Hohmann transfer orbits. It supports interfaces such as I2C, RS-422, and RS-485 and is characterized by low system complexity and non-toxic propellants, ensuring robust operations both on the ground and in orbit. AAC Clyde Space has collaborated with Exotrail to integrate ExoMG propulsion systems into its satellites. This partnership notably supported Eutelsat's ELO 3 and ELO 4 missions, enhancing the satellites' agility and operational efficiency.
The company, through its subsidiary AAC Hyperion, has partnered with TNO and FSO Instruments to develop next-generation laser communication terminals for small satellites. These systems are designed to transmit data from space at speeds up to 10 Gbps, addressing the growing demand for high-speed, secure data transmission. The project, valued at approximately EUR 3.5 million, is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2026. A significant milestone in this domain was the successful demonstration of the SmallCAT laser communication system. Developed in collaboration with TNO and launched aboard the NORSAT-TD satellite in April 2023, SmallCAT achieved data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps between the satellite and ground stations, showcasing AAC Clyde Space's expertise in optical communications.
AAC Clyde Space has been enhancing its Starbuck Mini Power Conditioning Distribution Unit (PCDU) to meet the needs of future satellite constellations. This development focuses on improving manufacturing efficiency and incorporating additional features to cater to a broader customer base. The project, with a total value of EUR 0.95 million, is co-funded by the European Space Agency's ARTES Core Competitiveness program.
AAC Clyde Space provides end-to-end data services, managing satellite operations and delivering processed data directly to clients. This model allows organizations to access valuable space-derived information without the need to invest in and manage satellite infrastructure. A notable example is the collaboration with Wyvern Inc., where AAC Clyde Space launched EPICHyper-1, a 6U satellite, on April 15, 2023. This satellite delivers Earth observation data to Wyvern under an exclusive SDaaS contract.
AAC Clyde Space aims to become a world leader in commercial small satellites and space-based services. The company is focused on applying technological advancements to address global challenges and improve life on Earth. This includes developing standardized and modular satellite designs to enhance manufacturing efficiency and scalability.
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