CubeSpace, a leading satellite component manufacturer, has announced its acquisition of Dawn Dusk, a satellite simulation software company. This strategic move integrates Dawn Dusk’s advanced satellite simulator with CubeSpace’s offerings, enhancing services for CubeSpace’s growing customer base.
Furthermore, the integration will enable CubeSpace customers to simulate satellite control systems on the ground before launch, increasing confidence by allowing commissioning processes in simulation. Ground testing of satellite responses will help de-risk operations, ensuring more reliable in-orbit performance.
A key feature of the Dawn Dusk simulator is its compatibility with CubeSpace hardware for Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL) testing. This setup allows the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) hardware to operate as if in space, with the simulator generating in-orbit telemetry. Thus, CubeSpace customers can develop onboard computer (OBC) code for ADCS interfacing and test it on real hardware.
In addition, CubeSpace will integrate all ADCS-related services from Dawn Dusk into its service offering. However, Dawn Dusk will continue to offer its simulator for non-ADCS tasks, including constellation planning, power and link budgets, and manoeuvre planning.
This acquisition is part of CubeSpace’s strategic plan to become the leading ADCS supplier globally for satellites of all sizes. Plans include expanding the range of microsatellite reaction wheels and scaling up production to eliminate lead times and ensure rapid delivery. By offering integrated simulation and hardware testing solutions, CubeSpace aims to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of satellite missions, helping customers achieve their space objectives confidently.
Before its acquisition by CubeSpace, Dawn Dusk offered a comprehensive suite of satellite operation tools. Their primary offering was a satellite simulator and visualisation app that allowed customers to monitor their missions throughout all operational phases. This suite included mission analysis capabilities for planning and analysing satellite missions. Dawn Dusk also provided AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Test) support, focusing on testing hardware using hardware-in-the-loop simulations to ensure equipment functionality before launch. Additionally, the company offered operator training through satellite emulation, enabling training operators to perform satellite commissioning exercises in controlled, repeatable environments. This end-to-end support covered the entire lifecycle of satellite missions, from planning and testing to operation and training, preparing operators for real-world scenarios.
CubeSpace boasts an annual growth rate of 50% and serves over 200 clients. With experience spanning over ten years, CubeSpace has delivered over 3,000 components globally to national space agencies and private sector companies, and its products have been installed on more than 300 satellites. This acquisition aligns with CubeSpace’s strategy to expand into international markets. In addition, it follows a ZAR 47 million venture capital funding round led by the University Technology Fund, with Savant Venture Fund as a co-investor.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/08/01/cubespace-acquires-dawn-dusk-to-provide-superior-control-systems-solutions/
