Drones: A Game Changer for the SatCom Industry

QuadSAT Satellite

With more and more satellites being sent into various orbits, the number of antennas on the ground is increasing rapidly. As with many industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some challenges for the satellite industry. A survey by Northern Sky Research (NSR) indicated that 44% of satellite companies have experienced a significant impact. At the same time, the survey suggests that if a handful of companies succeed, the next decade will see more satellites put into orbit than all the satellites launched since Sputnik 1 in 1957.

This massive growth is already making it crowded and is set to make it even more so over the coming years. This will inevitably have a knock-on effect and we will undoubtedly see a rise in issues such as satellite interference.

At the same time, competition is high. Broadcasters, once the biggest clients for satellite, are increasingly moving to more IP-based methods. Therefore, the satellite industry is under massive pressure to keep costs low and service delivery high, in order to compete with other communication methods.

All of this means that ensuring good and reliable antenna performance is more important than ever. This was indeed the impetus behind the Satellite Operator’s Minimum Antenna Performance group, setup to ensure that all antennas function to a specified level of performance before being allowed to operate on any satellite network. Testing has risen up the agenda.

However, currently antennas are measured in dedicated test-facilities which is time-consuming, logistically heavy, and expensive. This means it is more important than ever to try and find an alternative, more effective means of antenna testing within the industry without sacrificing the reliability.

If you have been following what we are doing, you will know that we have developed an innovative tech that is set to revolutionize antenna testing using drone technology, coupled with the advancement of microwave technology. Our solution means that we will be able to gradually eliminate the requirement to transport antennas to dedicated test ranges. This method of testing will transform antenna performance measurement into a flexible, simple, quick and cost-effective method that has the potential to increase the overall quality of antenna terminals used in satellite communication.

In the latest Microwave Journal, we outline the technology and its potential. If you want a better understanding of why it will be a game-changer for the satellite industry, read the full article in Microwave Journal.

4 Key Trends in Technology for the Ground Segment

Quadsat technicians taking measurement from antenna with new technology

Space is changing. The use of satellite services is broadening with the launch of more and more LEO satellites and a boom in smart technology powered by satellite, enabling IoT, 5G, and more. It is broadly accepted that in-orbit technology needs to develop and change to keep pace with the evolving use of satellite, but the ground segment is sometimes overlooked. There is, however, a real need for new technology to help the ground segment maintain high-quality connections with new orbit technology, as the industry continues to diversify.

So, what are the key things to be aware of when it comes to current ground segment technology and where is it heading?

1. The current ground system technology is not adequate for changing demands by the latest tech in-orbit

The satellite industry has been dependent upon for its reliability for years, but even more so now as it supports the rollout of new, highly lucrative opportunities in LEO and beyond. Service reliability, therefore, must be second-to-none. As we see more satellites launching in LEO, the ground segment will be subject to different challenges and requirements which it is not at present able to deal with effectively. As opposed to GEO satellites that move with the Earth’s rotation, as a fixed point in the sky, seen from earth, LEO satellites move at a very high speed in orbit much closer above the Earth. This means that they are not a fixed point in the sky and that antennas are constantly tracking and re-pointing to maintain connectivity. This means that they are not a fixed point in the sky and that antennas are constantly tracking and re-pointing to maintain connectivity. The ground infrastructure is, therefore, much more complex, and the potential for things to go wrong has increased. Antennas can easily point to the wrong satellites, and as space becomes even more congested the resulting stakes will be high: one mispointing incident could disrupt multiple services.

2. Poor quality equipment or rather inadequate equipment for the required use is still a problem.

Most transmission incidents are a result of poor or ill-suited equipment or human error at the transmission. It is well known that sourcing high-quality equipment prevents many RFI transmission incidents and improves QoS for end-users.

There is markedly less poor-quality equipment on the market nowadays (SOMAP has been a big help to this end) but it is still out there. Operators are also sometimes misinformed when it comes to purchasing the correct or best-suited equipment for their particular operation.

This could be solved by antenna manufacturers being provided with access to more accurate and real-world style testing methods at an affordable cost. By doing so, manufacturers could better assist operators in choosing the most suitable equipment for their ground operations, delivering reassurance.

3. Testing methods and technology are still expensive and time-consuming

Particularly for COTM and VSAT operations (the latter requiring a highly accurate initial setup and continuous maintenance due to the small apertures and wide beam points), testing is a huge expense for operators and often results in significant downtime. The antenna must always be mobile, which for COTM often means laying on dedicated flights or voyages to enable accurate results in a realistic environment. Testing and calibration must also be performed by a specialist engineer, who must be transported to wherever in the world the vessel or aircraft is located – this soon becomes incredibly costly and seems incredibly antiquated in our modern age of automation and AI.

4. Emerging technology could be the answer

The industry must now look to new technology to address testing inaccuracies and its ability to keep up with evolving technology in-orbit. Drone technology could be one solution.

Already, it is proving capable of providing ground segment operators and antenna manufacturers with an innovative method to ensure that equipment is of suitable quality at sourcing and crucially during use out in the field. The drone’s simulated satellite payload is able to test, calibrate, and measure the performance of operational satellites and VSAT antennas by mimicking an orbital satellite. This technology can re-enact the testing environment as it is able to transmit and receive RF signals whilst in the air above the ground station. This means there is no need to access the actual satellite service, which saves time and money. In turn, this increases the accessibility of testing services for the ground segment, promoting regular testing for operators. It also means manufacturers can deliver products that work to the required accuracy and have been tested in real-world scenarios for their designated use.

QuadSAT is working with operators and industry organisations to develop Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) – drones – for testing. Using emerging automation and drone technology, coupled with advances in microwave technology, QuadSAT’s technology is proving able to drastically reduce costs, allowing operators to perform testing and calibration on a more frequent basis, in turn resulting in reduced antenna related RFI incidents. We believe that by reducing the cost of testing, the industry can continue to support the roll-out of new and exciting opportunities in-orbit.

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, drone technology, and mathematical algorithms in order to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical antenna performance tests. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

Press contact:

Helen Weedon
Radical Moves PR
+44 (0)1570 434632

How to get a Drone Start-up off the Ground: An Interview with Two Founders

Andrian and Joakim with drone talking about their start up

In 2017, Joakim Espeland and Andrian Buchi co-founded drone antenna testing company, QuadSAT. In this blog post, they share their story as well as their top tips for launching a start-up.

How did the founders meet?

Joakim Espeland: We met at a university seminar about entrepreneurship; the key speaker was Henrik Scheel, a Danish entrepreneur based in Silicon Valley. He explained the support available from the university as well as highlighting that – with the right idea – it would be possible for anyone in the room to start up a high-tech company. Andrian and I were both studying Mechanical Engineering in Denmark at the time. Following this seminar, we ended up working together on a project which ultimately became QuadSAT.

When did you think your university project would turn into something more?

Joakim Espeland: I realised that our project could become something more on our graduation day. We were given the ‘Best project of the School’ award which came with a cash prize. Our professors told us that we should consider our project as more than academic and to start looking into funding opportunities. They were incredibly supportive; they provided us with information on government funding which was available for innovative technologies at the time. We ended up securing government funding which meant we were able to start up our business straight out of university.

Andrian Buchi: For me, the really pivotal moment was when we secured funding and were able to build a prototype. Suddenly, we could test our technology and see that our theories worked.

How did you decide on which sector to target?

Joakim Espeland: Before I went to university for the second time, I worked in the satcoms industry as a satellite service engineer for a maritime oil and gas company. When working there I saw the issues with antenna testing first-hand. Companies were having to deploy the ship on journeys purely for satellite testing; these journeys obviously come at a price, both in fuel and in downtime. A few years later I was discussing the issue with Andrian in university and explained my idea around drone tech. He thought it was an awesome idea and we went on to start our project.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Joakim Espeland: Obviously, it’s really exciting to be developing pioneering technology, but it does have its challenges! We’re having to develop our products from scratch which means rigorous testing and defining our own workflows. Of course, securing funding has been another huge aspect in developing our business. It can be frustrating if you know you have a good idea, but you don’t have the investment to make it work! We really focused on pinning our ideas down into a business model so that we could approach funding opportunities with clear objectives.

As I said before, our first round of funding came from the government so it’s always worthwhile seeing what grants they have available for innovative enterprises. Our next step in securing funding was taking part in the Seraphim Space Camp; Seraphim Capital is a venture capital fund which is dedicated to space tech. This investment really allowed us to make progress with the technology. We’ve since signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) – we’re incredibly proud to be working with them.

How big is the QuadSAT team?

Joakim Espeland: There are currently 15 of us spread over two offices. Our headquarters are at the HCA airport; we positioned ourselves here as it is an amazing hub for robotics – they call it Robotics Island! There are three drone companies at this airport, and we all support each other’s projects. There isn’t anywhere else in the world that would suit us better.  Our other office is in the UK where we’re looking into RF.

What has been the most rewarding moment?

Joakim Espeland: Definitely the first flight. It proved that our ideas, and most importantly the tech, worked! It gave us masses of confidence in our product and allowed us to move forward and hire who was needed to develop our business.

Andrian Buchi: We’re constantly developing and learning and it’s great as we get to apply all of our newest thoughts to our product. It’s very rewarding seeing our hard work pay off when efficiencies improve.

Any other advice?

Joakim Espeland: If you have a good idea, it’s really important to do your research and see where you fit in industry. If you can see a clear need for your tech, people will be interested. Managing funding is obviously important, however there are grants available and investors are always looking for good ideas. We’ve also benefitted hugely from joining groups like the Global VSAT Forum and the Satcoms Innovation Group – it gives you chance to meet people who could ending up using your products. Both groups have taught us a lot about the needs of the industry and where our tech should be focused.

More about Joakim:

I’ve always been interested in becoming an engineer. After I finished school, I went on to study electrical engineering and robotics at a university in my home country of Norway. It was after this that I started working in the satcoms industry. Here I realised that I wanted to train in mechanical engineering. I’d visited the university in Denmark as part of my original electrical engineering course and I knew they held real value in innovation. When I decided to return to education, I knew it would make sense to move to Denmark to study. I have always been entrepreneurial, so I always thought that I’d end up running my own business. It’s great that our university project has developed into QuadSAT – we have some really exciting times ahead!

More about Andrian:

My mother and her family are from an engineering background, so I always had that influence and always wanted a career in engineering. I grew up in Moldova and went to high school in Romania however I decided that I wanted a change and move elsewhere for university. I decided to go to university in Denmark as it had an outstanding reputation for education, especially Engineering. At the time, my English skills weren’t that great, and the university offered an opportunity to improve my language skills. The move was challenging but most definitely worth it! In the past, I’ve also worked in an engineering consultancy firm focusing on 3D technology. I’ve always aspired to running my own business. My father is a businessman and I have definitely inherited his entrepreneurial spirit!

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, drone technology, and mathematical algorithms in order to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical antenna performance tests. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

Press contact:

Helen Weedon
Radical Moves PR
+44 (0)1570 434632

QuadSAT to introduce its new Drone based Antenna Testing technology at SATELLITE Startup Pavilion

Drone testing antenna

Odense, Denmark, 6th March 2020 – QuadSAT has announced it will exhibit its UAV Antenna Testing technology at SATELLITE for the first time. QuadSAT will showcase its solution at SATELLITE’s Startup Pavilion (stand SP3) from 10th-12th March.

QuadSAT’s debut at SATELLITE follows a successful year in which it signed a contract with ESA to develop its UAS testing solution to comply with industry-wide antenna performance protocol SOMAP, as well as having successfully demonstrated its technology to industry-leading satellite operators.

QuadSAT’s system uses drone technology to test, calibrate and measure the performance of VSAT antennas. The system offers similar capabilities as a traditional antenna test range by generating and receiving test signals in a highly controlled and consistent manner. The result is a portable, cost-effective, and time-efficient method to verify antenna performance.

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented, “We’re looking forward to exhibiting our drone solution at SATELLITE for the first time. We’ve had a successful year in which we have developed the credibility of our antenna testing product through projects and demonstrations with significant industry members. Our technology offers a highly accurate and effective form of testing which will result in savings of both time and money for qualifying new satellite communications products. The QuadSAT team is looking forward to exhibiting the benefits of drone testing technology for antennas at this year’s SATELLITE exhibition.”

Last year’s SATELLITE show saw QuadSAT shortlisted for Via Satellite’s 2018 Satellite Technology of the Year Award.

QuadSAT is exhibiting at stand SP3 in the SATELLITE Startup Pavilion on 10th-12th March 2020.

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, drone technology, and mathematical algorithms in order to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical antenna performance tests. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

Press contact:

Catrin Jones
Radical Moves PR
+44 1570 434632

QuadSAT Announces Project with ESA

Joakim Antenna ESA

Odense, Denmark, 22nd October 2019 – QuadSAT, the drone-enabled antenna testing company, has announced its collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop its Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) testing solution to comply with industry-wide antenna performance protocol, SOMAP (Satellite Operators’ Minimum Antenna Performance requirements) and the type approval test requirements for other satellite operators.

QuadSAT, with technical support from GVF and the Danish Technological Institute, is to establish that its UAS testing capabilities can deliver SOMAP type-approvals for the satellite communications industry. QuadSAT uses drone technology to test and calibrate satellite and VSAT antennas autonomously, mimicking an orbiting satellite that can simulate a ship or aircraft’s motion. This method enables highly accurate testing while drastically reducing downtime.

The development of SOMAP recommendations has been referenced in previous ESA projects. GVF, through the Mutual Recognition Working Group (MRA-WG), has been pivotal in defining the framework, which is mutually recognised across the satellite industry. The SOMAP framework establishes the minimum performance recommendations for satellite service providers and serves as a complement to the formal SOMAP recommendations.

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with GVF and the Danish Technological Institute to implement testing for our project with ESA. As proven by its past projects, ESA’s ethos is based around promoting the use of high-quality, industry-compliant technologies to ensure that the industry works effectively and harmoniously. By providing and expanded test capability for demonstrating compliance with SOMAP recommendations and other satellite service provider requirements, our UAS technology will be able to offer operators a highly accurate and effective form of testing. This will result in savings of both time and money for qualifying new satellite communications products. QuadSAT is moving into an exciting period of development.”

The news follows QuadSAT securing £700,000 seed funding in January 2019 via Danish Growth Fund, Vaekstfonden and specialist space-tech venture fund, Seraphim Capital.

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, unmanned aircrafts, and mathematical algorithms in order to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical tests in determining antenna performance. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

QuadSAT’s cost-effective solution, which has been developed to meet industry-wide standards, moves antenna testing away from testing facilities and into the field. QuadSAT’s solution increases the ease of testing and enhances spectrum awareness. This promotes minimal energy consumption and allows for cleaner transmissions with less RF interference.

Press Contact

Catrin Jones
Radical Moves PR
+44 1570 434632
catrin@radicalmovespr.co.uk

QuadSAT new Antenna Testing Successfully Demonstrated to SES and Eutelsat

QuadSATS antenna testing Solution

Odense, Denmark, 6 October 2019 – QuadSAT has announced its antenna testing solution has been demonstrated to satellite operators SES and Eutelsat. Positive results obtained at a recent supervised testing session were sufficient for SES to consider adopting QuadSAT’s antenna testing product for future commercial antenna qualification activity.

QuadSAT’s system uses drone technology to test, calibrate and measure the performance of VSAT antennas, specifically Comms-On-The-Move products. The system offers similar capabilities as a traditional antenna test range, and does so autonomously, by generating and receiving test signals in a highly controlled and consistent manner. The result is a portable, cost-effective, and time-efficient method to verify antenna performance.

A series of tests were carried out at A1 Telekom Austria’s Aflenz Teleport, witnessed by SES, Eutelsat, A1 Telekom, and Mike Bartlett (Mik The Dish), an independent antenna verification engineering consultant. The tests included horizontal and elevation off-axis radiation diagrams, cross-pol measurements, and raster scans created using QuadSAT’s system.

Anja Ellerbrock, Senior Engineer of Commercial Systems Engineering at SES, responsible for antenna approvals, attended the demonstration and commented: “We have been working with the QuadSAT team for the last few years, and are very pleased with the progress they have made. This technology will make independent antenna verification testing more accessible and cost-effective for antenna manufacturers and service providers. More antenna performance tests will result in better VSAT antenna quality in the industry. QuadSAT’s product is very welcome there.”

Fritz Schurig, who is responsible for antenna approval at Eutelsat, was also present during the testing activity and added: “This is a fantastic technology that has huge potential to transform how antenna testing is performed.”

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, added: “We are thrilled that Eutelsat and SES are considering our technology as a contribution to improve antenna product quality, in a move towards a cleaner RF spectrum overall.”

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017, QuadSAT’s mobile antenna testing system provides users with affordable, accessible and accurate antenna testing and calibration. The system utilizes a custom-built RF payload, drone technology, and mathematical algorithms in order to effectively simulate satellites and perform critical antenna performance tests. QuadSAT’s system has been developed to meet industry-wide standards.

Press contact:

Catrin Jones
Radical Moves PR
+44 1570 434632
catrin@radicalmovespr.co.uk

QuadSAT Nominated for Via Satellite’s 2018 Satellite Technology of the Year Award

Satellite technology

Satellite and Connectivity Professionals can vote to help QuadSAT win the inaugural Satellite Technology of the Year award.

Odense, Denmark, 23rd April 2019 – QuadSAT, the drone-enabled antenna testing company has been nominated for Via Satellite’s 2018 Satellite Technology of the Year Award. The nominees are chosen based on innovation, benefit to the industry, and overall disruption to the satellite landscape.

QuadSAT’s platform uses drone technology to test, calibrate and measure the performance of satellite and VSAT antennas autonomously by mimicking an orbiting satellite. This method enables highly accurate testing while drastically reducing downtime.

The winner of the 2018 Satellite Technology of the Year will be determined by a combination of the Via Satellite editorial team, including Editorial Director, Mark Holmes, and votes that come directly from industry. The public can vote for QuadSAT online, or onsite at the SATELLITE 2019 event, which takes place May 6-9 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  There will be stations for attendees to vote at the Via Satellite booth (#543 on the show floor).

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented: “We are really excited to have been nominated for this award. The support we have received from the industry has been instrumental in helping us develop a platform with the potential to revolutionize antenna testing for the satellite communications industry.”

From the host of the prestigious “Satellite Executive of the Year Award”, Via Satellite has a longstanding history of recognizing the people leading the charge for the satellite industry.

“Via Satellite is dedicated to recognizing the technology breakthrough that has changed the way the satellite and connectivity industry worked in 2018 and for years to come,” said Mark Holmes. “We’re proud to offer this award and recognize the technology as part of our ongoing commitment to the global satellite industry.”

Voting closes at noon ET on Tuesday, May 7th. The winner will be announced at a special Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Peraton, at SATELLITE 2019 on Wednesday, May 8, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Tickets for the Awards Luncheon can be purchased through SATELLITE 2019 registration. SATELLITE 2019 will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

For more information on the award, or to vote for QuadSAT, please visit https://www.viasatellite.com/vote

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017 and having recently set up an office in Harwell, UK, QuadSAT is a Danish company that has developed brand new tools and techniques for testing and calibrating satellite antennas being deployed in high-value maritime and aeronautical markets. Combining the latest drone technology with a simulated satellite payload and mathematical algorithms, QuadSAT simplifies the requirements for satellite antenna testing, qualification and calibration. In addition, use of QuadSAT’s products reduces vessels and aircraft downtime for such testing procedures, significantly reducing operational expenses.

As well as satellite antenna qualification and calibration, QuadSAT’s system can also be used to identify interference to satellite transmissions with pinpoint accuracy, which is vital to minimize inadvertent or other rogue interference. QuadSAT’s customers include the some of the world’s leading satellite operators, satellite antenna manufacturers, VSAT network operators’ maintenance teams and antenna testing facilities.

Press contact

Helen Weedon
+44 1570 434632
+44 7733 231922
helen@radicalmovespr.co.uk

About Via Satellite

Via Satellite, a monthly publication providing essential news and expert business analysis on the global satellite communications marketplace, including current and evolving applications, infrastructure issues, technology, and business and regulatory developments around the word reaches the most engaged community of satellite professionals and qualified industry decision makers.

About SATELLITE 2019

SATELLITE unites 15,000 aerospace and connectivity thought leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, engineers, end-users and enthusiasts from over 100 countries for the largest and most important global satellite technology event of the year. Serving all industries looking to better their business operations or enhance their strategy through connectivity, the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition will take place on May 6-9, 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

QuadSAT Receives Entrepreneurship Award

ERF Award

QuadSAT Brings Home Second Place Award at ERF Entrepreneurship Awards Ceremony

After two fascinating days attending the European Robotics Forum in Bucharest, Romania, QuadSAT’s Joakim Espeland has ended his visit by winning second place at the ERF Entrepreneurship Awards.

Each year, the European Robotics Forum presents awards to the three most promising robotics start-up businesses. The start-ups are judged by a panel of robotic entrepreneurship experts.

This year, the awards process involved Joakim pitching QuadSAT’s project to a screening committee in an initial round. Joakim was then selected as one of the top three pitches, and moved on to a finalist round where he was given the amazing opportunity to pitch during the open Entrepreneurship Award Workshop.

The award was presented during the ERF banquet to the top three contenders, with Joakim proudly taking away second place.

QuadSAT is honoured to have had the opportunity to present our project to the ERF Workshop, and to have shared the stage with some fantastic entrepreneurs. Overall, it was a standout evening and we are extremely proud of the achievement.

QuadSAT Secures £700,000 Seed Funding Investment

Quadsat logo investment

Drones in SATCOM Startup Secures Investment to Further Innovation

Odense, Denmark, 16th January 2019 – QuadSAT, the drone-enabled antenna testing company, today announced it has closed its £700,000 seed round investment, led by Vaekstfonden, the Danish Growth Fund, with participation from Seraphim Capital and existing investors.

The investment will enable QuadSAT to bring its innovative drone platform to the satellite communications industry, initially focusing on maritime and aeronautical applications. QuadSAT’s platform uses drone technology to test and calibrate satellite and VSAT antennas autonomously, mimicking an orbiting satellite that can simulate a ship or aircraft’s motion. This method enables highly accurate testing while drastically reducing downtime.

Having started as a University project, QuadSAT is an innovative startup company. Based at Odense Robotics Start Up Hub, a Danish accelerator programme for robotics and drone startups, which provides premises and expert assistance, this investment follows an initial round of investment to establish the company in 2017.

Joakim Espeland, CEO, QuadSAT, commented: “Our technology alleviates a massive pain point for our customers and will ensure high quality communications with minimum interference at a competitive price. We’re thrilled to be backed by our investors, including the team at Seraphim, which brings with it a great deal of sector-expertise as the world’s leading space-tech focused venture capital fund.”

QuadSAT was one of six companies to take part in Mission 1 of Seraphim Space Camp. Seraphim Space Camp is the UK’s first accelerator for space-tech start-ups backed by Seraphim Capital, the world’s first venture capital fund dedicated to SpaceTech. The programme aims to get Seed and Pre-Series A, space-tech companies ‘investment ready’ and to facilitate unique corporate relationships with some of the leading space corporates and agencies.

Of the programme, Joakim said: “Taking part in Seraphim Space Camp was fundamental to us really. Speaking to relevant industry players who were able to validate what we were doing had a big impact on us and our future roadmap.”

Rob Desborough, Seraphim Capital Portfolio Director and Director of Seraphim Space Camp commented: “We are very excited to be partnering with Joakim and the rest of the QuadSAT team. They were incredibly well received by our corporate partners whilst on the Space Camp Accelerator and are first movers in a billion-dollar global market. With stringent industry standards in place, QuadSAT is solving a real challenge for its customers and will provide enormous benefit to the industry.”

About QuadSAT

Founded in March 2017 and has recently set up an office in Harwell, UK, QuadSAT is a Danish company that has developed brand new tools and techniques for testing and calibrating satellite antennas being deployed in high-value maritime and aeronautical markets. Combining the latest drone technology with a simulated satellite payload and mathematical algorithms, QuadSAT simplifies the requirements for satellite antenna testing, qualification and calibration. In addition, the use of QuadSAT’s products reduces vessels and aircraft downtime for such testing procedures, significantly reducing operational expenses.

As well as satellite antenna qualification and calibration, QuadSAT can also be used to identify interference to satellite transmissions with pinpoint accuracy, which is vital to minimize inadvertent or other rogue interference. QuadSAT’s customers include some of the world’s leading satellite operators, satellite antenna manufacturers, VSAT network operators’ maintenance teams and antenna testing facilities.

For more information, please visit: www.quadsat.com

Press contact: helen@radicalmovespr.co.uk

About Seraphim Capital

Seraphim Space is the world’s largest specialist space-tech venture fund. We focus on backing both space and aerial platforms collecting and communicating data from above, in addition to the broader enabling technologies that support the full space-tech ecosystem.

The £70m fund has pioneered a multi-corporate venture fund model, harnessing the collective experience and expertise of leading space industry players including the likes of Airbus, SES and Telespazio to provide start-ups the fund invests in with unparalleled access to and guidance from the top echelons of the space sector.

Our team includes entrepreneurs who have scaled space-tech companies to billions of users and $billion-valued exits, alongside experienced venture capitalists who have collectively invested in more than 200 early and growth-stage companies.

For more information, please visit: www.seraphimcapital.com

Press contact: Spacecamp@fieldhouseassociates.com 

About Vækstfonden (Danish Growth Fund)

Vaekstfonden, The Danish Growth Fund is a state investment fund that contributes to the creation of new companies by providing capital and expertise. Since 1992, Vaekstfonden has together with private investors co-financed growth in more than 7,300 Danish companies with a total commitment of more than DKK 22.5 billion. Vaekstfonden invests equity and provides loans and guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises in collaboration with private partners and Danish financial institutions.

For more information, please visit: www.vf.dk

Press contact: nsl@vf.dk

About Odense Robotics StartUp Hub

Odense Robotics StartUp Hub is an incubator only for hard-ware start-ups run by the world-leading robotic and automation cluster; Odense Robotics in Denmark. The incubator offers robotics- & drone start-ups a fast-track programme from technology and prototyping to financing and commercialization. No ownership interest or membership fee is claimed. On average, each start-up gains access to between €450,000 – €700.000 in funding during the programme. 78% of the startups have commercial success 2 years after completing the acceleration programme.

Press contact: ulebr@udviklingfyn.dk

 

QuadSAT is part of UK’s first Space Camp Accelerator!

Seraphim space camp logo

We are proud to announce that we got selected to be the part of UK’s first Space Camp Accelerator by Seraphim Capital. The UK government recently passed the Space Industry Bill and in the works to build the first spacesport in Europe with world’s first fully commercial astronaut training ground. This opportunity creates a new proving ground to startups and investors alike.

Seraphim Capital is a UK-based venture capital fund that invests in companies operating in the Space ecosystem. It looks for highly-scaleable, disruptive technologies that are addressing global markets, with a focus on Series A startups. Seraphim Capital manages the £70 million Seraphim Space Fund, which invests exclusively in spacetech.

In their Space Camp Accelerator program their goal is to provide help to startups with scaling businesses and connect with the industry leaders, alongside Rolls Royce, Airbus, SES and more. Just six startups got selected to join the program, with a focus on identifying the best data- and satellite-led businesses that are either addressing the biggest challenges facing corporates in the space industry or creating value for industries on earth, from transportation to agriculture to urban planning.

We, at QuadSAT are very happy to be part of Seraphim’s Space Camp Accelerator program and looking forward to work together with them and the other participating start-up companies.

If you want to read more about the Accelerator and the rest of the participating companies, click here.