Bright Ascension Ltd. has released the company’s HELIX Flightkit Foundation Edition, the first product of its end-to-end suite of space software solutions, designed to seamlessly connect spacecraft development and operations with the delivery of space-based insights and analytics.
HELIX Flightkit is Bright Ascension’s brand-new development environment for the fast and simple assembly of spacecraft flight software. With more than 50 successful software deployments on-orbit and 12 years of industry experience, the company understands the critical need for reliable, affordable, and rapidly developed onboard software.
HELIX Flightkit takes this expertise to new heights by introducing significantly simplified design processes, enhanced tooling, faster build system and an improved workflow. Crucially, Flightkit is HELIX-ready, ensuring seamless and hassle-free integration with upcoming ground-based HELIX products for testing, spacecraft control, service delivery, and access to space-based insights and analytics.
The newly released version of HELIX Flightkit Foundation is only the beginning — the product includes a starter library of software components and select hardware support, but its functionality and design lay the groundwork for building robust flight software that is future-proof, adaptable, and scalable to evolve alongside mission requirements.
Additionally, Bright Ascension developed a schedule of updates and follow-up releases to enhance HELIX Flightkit Foundation functionality and expand the built-in library, support for hardware subsystems and the knowledge base of further tutorials and feature guides.
Furthermore, the company is gearing up for further HELIX products launches, including ground-based software products slated for early release in the coming months, along with further HELIX Flightkit editions to support missions with more complex needs.
In addition to providing an extensive knowledge base of tutorials and documentation, Bright Ascension is rolling out complimentary Flightkit support* to help early adopters get started with the product.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil Flightkit Foundation, marking the debut of our groundbreaking HELIX suite,” said Peter Mendham, CEO at Bright Ascension. “This early release is a monumental achievement for Bright Ascension and a true testament to our commitment to driving innovation within the space industry. I want to extend my gratitude to our exceptional team whose hard work and dedication have made this milestone possible.”
Bright Ascension Ltd. is a Scotland-based industry-leading space software technology provider, offering unique off-the-shelf software products and solutions for the delivery of space-based services, both on spacecraft and on the ground. Its innovative modular approach allows space software developers to significantly speed up mission development, simplify and automate operations, and results in lower total mission cost. Easily adaptable, and tailored to the exact requirements of your unique mission, Bright Ascension’s innovative software technology has been tried and tested in flight with over 50 satellites in orbit.