Is the future of satellite operations a subscription away? In the rapidly evolving space industry, a new service is gaining traction: space Propulsion-as-a-Service (PaaS).
The Omega Project
The Omega service, a collaborative project backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) through its Boost! programme, aims to provide a subscription-based smart propulsion service for satellites weighing between 30 to 500 kg.
Comprehensive Solution
This turnkey service model offers a comprehensive solution, covering the entire lifecycle of a satellite:
- Launch arrangements
- Initial satellite deployment
- Ongoing mission planning and execution
- Collision avoidance
- End-of-life deorbiting
By providing ready-to-use propulsion systems with standardized interfaces, Omega allows satellite integrators to focus on their core business while leaving propulsion concerns to the experts.
The Omega Partners
Omega brings together the expertise of three international partners:
- @Dawn Aerospace (Netherlands/New Zealand): Their green SatDrive forms the base of the propulsion system
- @UARX Space (Spain): Contributes space service experience and develops guidance, navigation, and control
- @Spherical Systems (Netherlands): Supplies the power and interface system and miniaturizes critical components
The Future of Space Services
As the New Space industry continues to grow, “X-as-a-Service” (XaaS) models like Omega could play a crucial role in democratizing access to space and enabling more efficient satellite operations. By simplifying space propulsion, Omega may enable increased innovation and expanded commercial opportunities in the satellite sector.
The success of this service model could potentially lead to more subscription-based services in other areas of space technology.