Redwire has teamed up with Thales Alenia Space, with support from the European Space Agency, to lead the Skimsat mission.
The ESA technology demonstration program will test a small satellite platform designed to operate in very low Earth orbit, with the goal of advancing satellite sustainability and performance while reducing mass and mission costs. The mission is funded through ESA’s Preparation and Technology Development activities and its General Support Technology Program.
As prime contractor, Redwire will adapt its Phantom spacecraft for Skimsat. Thales Alenia Space in the U.K., a major contributor to the mission, is expected to deliver the electric propulsion subsystem.
Marc Dielissen, general manager of Redwire Space Belgium, thanked ESA for allowing his team to participate in Skimsat’s evolution.
“Redwire is a global leader in VLEO capabilities and we are grateful for the trust from ESA to accelerate development of the Skimsat mission as the prime contractor, which could unlock critical infrastructure in VLEO for a wide array of future intelligence, Earth science and communications missions,” he said.
According to the executive, Redwire’s Phantom spacecraft is an advanced European VLEO platform that draws on decades of satellite manufacturing experience and flight heritage.
The partnership follows other strategic agreements Redwire has made to expand its role in space innovation, including collaborating with Honeywell to develop quantum-secured satellite communication systems for government and military use.