Space Micro Inc.
Overview
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Space Micro Inc is an engineering-driven company that develops and supplies space-qualified, affordable, high-performance communications, electro-optic and digital systems for both commercial and military applications. Satellite components they manufacture include Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) transceivers; mission-data transmitters; star trackers; space situational awareness (SSA) capable space cameras; image processors; Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems; and laser communications systems. [1]
On April 30, 2020, Space Micro announced that it would be supporting NASA and its prime contractors on the Artemis Program by supplying them with “highly reliable space radios and cameras.” Space Micro also announced it secured two other contracts for undisclosed customers to support their efforts in space and on the moon. The company attributes its success in winning these contracts to its previous experience and space flight heritage which includes the development of a successful high-data-rate S-band SDR transponder that sent critical data back to ground stations after collecting images and processing onboard SpaceIL’s lunar lander, Beresheet. [2]
Xenesis
On June 15, 2021, Xenesis acquired a minority stake in Space Micro Inc. Through this agreement, Space Micro will be able to include Xenesis devices in their catalog while also becoming the exclusive manufacturer for components used in the Xenesis product line. A number of these devices have already been designated to be used in the Xenesis Intercessor constellation due to be launched in 2023. Xenesis and Space Micro will continue to work together while offering downlinking capabilities of 10 Gbps, real-time latency, reduced costs, and an inherently secure/data-agnostic FSO network.
Related Links
Article: Space Micro Introduce µLCT 100 Gpbs Lasercom Terminal