Chippenham-based IT specialist SCISYS is set to support the pioneering Heinrich Hertz satellite-communications project with its tech expertise after winning an €18m contract from German space group OHB Systems.

The project, which aims to conduct scientific and technical studies and tests of new communication technologies in space, will tap into SCISYS’ PLENITER software suite for the planning, implementation and operation of complete satellite missions.

“I am delighted to announce this exceptional win by our space division”

 

Working from the ground, SCISYS’ technology will ensure as many as possible of the required operational steps are automated, reducing both risk and cost and increasing efficiencies ahead of the planned launch of the Heinrich Hertz satellite in 2021.

Klaus Heidrich, CEO of SCISYS, says: “I am delighted to announce this exceptional win by our space division. It underscores that our growth strategy in this domain is bearing fruit not least because of the proprietary PLENITER product. My congratulations go out to the entire management and team in our space division who have been working on this opportunity to finally secure this great success.”

South West in space

Although this has been the biggest project yet, SCISYS – which has had its own space division – has supported numerous other national and international space programmes and missions with its cutting-edge technology over decades.

“We provided major contributions to the Control Centres of the Columbus module on board the International Space Station and the European satellite navigation system Galileo”

 

Dr Horst Wulf Divisional Director Space for the SCISYS Group tells us: “Over the years, we have gained an excellent reputation as a reliable partner in the ground segment. We provided major contributions to the Control Centres of the Columbus module on board the International Space Station and the European satellite navigation system Galileo. Success stories like this impressively demonstrate that SCISYS is an excellent choice for the prime contractor of the “Heinrich Hertz” ground segment.”

Ulli Leibnitz, SCISYS’ Director of Space in Germany adds: “With our experiences, our proven technology and not least the know-how of our motivated and qualified employees we are excellently positioned to make the step from a subsystem supplier to the ground segment prime contractor for large space missions.”

Find out more about this latest contract and the state-of-the-art software being used on the SCISYS website. You can also stay tuned to its involvement in the mission by following them on Twitter here: @SCISYS_PLC.