An initiative formed by private companies and universities
On October 17, 2023, Sevilla hosted the official presentation of the Alpha Mission at the incomparable setting of the Real Alcazar de Sevilla, in the presence of numerous media, authorities, and aerospace professionals.
The Alpha Mission achieved one of its initial milestones by presenting a 3D replica of the satellite. This journey will culminate in 2025 with the satellite’s launch into orbit. Alter Technologies, CactusSoft, Indaero Grupo Emergy, and Integrasys promote the project. Additionally, the universities of Sevilla and Cádiz, along with the Ontech Innovation and Smart City Cluster clusters, are collaborating.”
CactusSoft is responsible for developing the communications module of Alpha3 and the ground station in this project. Additionally, CactusSoft holds the role of the technical leader of the Alpha Mission.
“We see space as an opportunity to address some of the challenges we face as a species, In this context, the application of cutting-edge software and AI solutions in our projects could potentially contribute to addressing challenges such as drought and climate change “explained Jose Laffitte, Head of Engineering at CactusSoft and technical coordinator of the Mission.
“At CactusSoft, we are already implementing the concept of ‘Accelerating Innovation through cutting-edge software and AI solutions’ in our projects, especially in New Space Projects. AI plays a pivotal role in various aspects, such as Data Analysis, Autonomous Systems, Predictive Maintenance, Image Recognition and Processing, Communication and Navigation among other applications. By leveraging AI in these specific areas, New Space projects can achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and innovation, leading to significant advancements in space exploration, research, and commercial activities.” as mentioned by Jose Laffitte.
Alpha3 will be the first satellite with 100% technology developed in Andalusia that can contribute to developing solutions against drought and climate change. The Alpha3 satellite, with dimensions of 30 cm wide by 80 cm high and an approximate weight of 1.3 kg, will collect data on radiation and magnetism that directly affect the climate. It is scheduled to be launched into orbit in 2025 and will maintain a flight at approximately 700 km from Earth, with an estimated LEO orbit duration of one and a half years.
Development of a CubeSat with Andalusian Technology, “Mission Alpha”
Project Type: Industrial Research
An initiative funded by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of Spain within the program to support AEIs to contribute to the improvement of the competitiveness of the Spanish industry, with the support of the European Union through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
Reference: AEI-010500-2023-46
Objective: To foster technological development and innovation in the space sector and solidify the Andalusian ecosystem to carry out all the required phases in a satellite project. To analyze, design, manufacture, launch, and operate the CubeSat “Alpha3,” whose mission has technological, scientific, and educational purposes, covering various areas, including the analysis and study of the magnetic field in Earth orbit.
Desarrollo de un CubeSat con tecnología andaluza “Misión Alpha”
Tipo de proyecto: Investigación Industrial
Iniciativa financiada por el Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo dentro del programa de apoyo a las AEI para contribuir a la mejora de la competitividad de la industria española, y con el apoyo de la Unión Europea a través del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia
Referencia: AEI-010500-2023-46
Objetivo: propiciar el desarrollo tecnológico y la innovación en el sector espacial y solidificar el ecosistema andaluz para llevar a cabo todas las fases requeridas en un proyecto satelital. Analizar, diseñar, fabricar, lanzar y operar el CubeSat “Alpha3”, cuya misión tiene fines tecnológicos, científicos y educacionales, cubriendo varios ámbitos, incluidos el análisis y estudio del campo magnético en órbita terrestre.
