First Satellite with 100% Andalusian Technology Designed for Space Launch
The Alpha Mission project marks a milestone in Andalusia’s aerospace history, with the design, construction, and launch of the first genuinely Andalusian satellite, the CubeSat "Alpha³".
Granada, (EFE) – Andalusian Consortium Develops ‘Alpha³’, the First 100% Andalusian Satellite Set for Launch in 2025
A consortium made up of Andalusian companies, universities, and clusters is working on the design of the ‘Alpha³’ satellite, the first to be launched into space with 100% Andalusian technology. The launch, scheduled for 2025, aims to generate valuable data for research centers in Andalusia.
The Alpha Mission project marks a milestone in Andalusia’s aerospace history, with the design, construction, and launch of the first genuinely Andalusian satellite, the CubeSat ‘Alpha³’.
Coordinated by the onTech Innovation Cluster, this initiative brings together companies, universities, and business centers to drive space research from Andalusia and promote a new space economy.
With dimensions of 10 centimeters in width, 30 centimeters in height, and a weight of approximately 1.8 kilograms, the satellite will collect data on radiation and magnetism, contributing to technological advancements in the space sector.
Durability and Reliability
This information will equip Andalusian aerospace entities with high-value data, facilitating the development of future projects related to climate change and its consequences.
Set to launch into low Earth orbit in 2025, ‘Alpha³’ is supported by Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism and European Union funds.
The first satellite of the Alpha Mission will be equipped with sensors to map radiation levels received in low orbits throughout its operational lifespan.
By measuring radiation exposure, companies will be able to assess the durability and reliability of electronic components in the space environment. This will enable them to make informed decisions about which components are best suited for their space applications.
Instead of investing in the development of customized components, companies will be able to leverage off-the-shelf solutions, thereby accelerating development processes and reducing associated costs.
The consortium of companies and universities involved in the mission has been working for months to ensure the project’s success, bringing together private companies and Andalusian academic institutions.
Universities of Seville and Cádiz Join the Mission
The project is led by the companies Alter Technology, Cactus, Indaero, Grupo Emergy, and Integrasys, along with the Universities of Seville and Cádiz. It is coordinated by onTech Innovation (which manages the funding) and the Smart City cluster.
Additionally, this initiative serves as a catalyst for Andalusian companies to enter the space industry, at a time when the New Space sector is expanding, opening the door to new opportunities for research and discovery.
"The Alpha Mission will undoubtedly pave the way for new opportunities in both the private and public sectors. In the private sector, it will create a high-value-added industry; in the public sector, it will generate aerospace-oriented knowledge," stated Antonio Alcántara, General Manager of onTech Innovation.
Meanwhile, José Laffitte, the mission’s technical coordinator, emphasized that participants see space as an opportunity to tackle pressing global challenges, such as drought and climate change. EFE
