ANT61, a leading developer of autonomous robotics systems for space applications, and Frond Space Systems, a pioneer in end-of-life disposal dragsails for satellites, are pleased to announce signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership aims to showcase the synergies between their cutting-edge systems and offer comprehensive solutions to the space industry.

ANT61, a space company based in Sydney, is working on the satellite life extension and has recently launched the Beacon. This device is designed to survive a satellite malfunction. The Beacon collects satellite health data and allows the satellite owners to diagnose subsystem failures and restore their spacecraft to normal operation after an anomaly suffered in orbit.

Frond Space Systems is at the forefront of satellite end-of-life solutions. Their family of dragsails enable robust accelerated deorbiting, minimising space debris and contributing to a cleaner space environment. Incorporated in 2023 as a spin-out from the University of Auckland at the heart of New Zealand’s emergent space sector, three of Frond’s systems are already scheduled for launch in 2024.

The collaboration between ANT61 and Frond Space Systems will demonstrate the seamless interfacing of their respective technologies. Initial offerings will include the integration of the ANT61 Beacon system with Frond dragsails, allowing for the satellite operator to de-orbit their spacecraft after suffering from an unrecoverable failure. The companies also seek to explore Space Situational Awareness (SSA) applications use of enhanced bandwidth capability from ANT61 Beacon to support image capture from Frond’s inspection boom systems, providing near real-time intelligence on the physical status of host spacecraft, even in the event of communications failure.