Recently, SWISSto12 introduced their new name — HummingSat — as well as the logo for the company’s smallsat telecommunications product line — HummingSat operates in GEO at 36,000 kilometers above the Earth and brings a new solution to connect society with modern technology.
This new satellite product line and the first protoflight model are in development and construction under a Partnership contract between ESA and SWISSto12 for delivery by SWISSto12 of a satellite to an operator acting as the anchor commercial end-customer with a planned launch date in 2025.
A HummingSat is significantly smaller than conventional GEO telecommunication satellites and, therefore, benefits from a rideshare launch strategy. Despite its small size, the satellite powers a highly capable telecommunications payload with approximately 2kW of power, which is enabled by SWISSto12’s unique 3D printed Radio Frequency products and systems. HummingSat provides satellite operators with a bespoke and competitive solution for delivery of regional or gap-filling services as well as economic replacement of ageing satellites.
Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12, said, “SWISSto12 is proudly investing in the HummingSat product line since several years, I am now thrilled to see it has matured to become a competitive offering for satellite telecommunication operators. Our first satellite is now fully launched in its design and construction, and we aim at making reuse of this development to commercialize our HummingSats based on a standardized platform along with optimized payloads to best service each one of our customers.”
The name is inspired by the Hummingbird (or Colibri), small and agile by nature, as the company’s smallsat will be once the spacecraft is deployed and operational.