INFANTE is an R&D project that proposes the development and the in-orbit demonstration of a small satellite, as the first component of a constellation for maritime surveillance, Earth observation and communications between satellites and ground stations.
The project’s Space segment includes a low-cost and modular micro-satellite, equipped with a communications system based on software-defined radio (functions include networking, ranging, and aerial and nautical surveillance); a propulsion system for changing or maintaining orbit; mechanisms that open and orient the solar panels, and a cargo bay with sensors for technology validation and scientific experiments such as SAR and multi-spectral camera.
Furthermore, the Ground segment includes a system to support the fast-track assembly, integration and testing of small satellites, to support very frequent launch activities; and a “data hub” to aggregate, process and disseminate data, in support to sustainable institutional and business services.
INFANTE is led by TEKEVER and puts together renowned Portuguese companies in the field of Space Research such as Active Space Technologies, Critical Software, GMV, HPS, Omnidea and SpinWorks, amongst others; internationally recognized R&D centres such as CEIIA, FCT-UNL, FEUP, INL, IPN, ISEP, ISQ, ISR Lisboa, IT Aveiro and UBI; national partners like Deimos Engenharia and Optimal; end-users such as IPMA or INIAV and international organizations like the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
This project will take advantage of the opportunities created by the New Space emergence and the promising expertise developed over the last 20 years in Portugal. Thus, laying a foundation where Portugal asserts itself as a first-line country in access to Space and opening doors for a new set of players that are focused in reducing the barriers in investment and so, creating new lines of business that reduce the institutional dependency of this country’s sector.