Irish new space makes its mark in Europe

Using this approach to technology development, Dublin-based Réaltra designed and manufactured electronics to support the recent launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

The company – which was founded in 2018 – is part of a fresh wave of innovative Irish firms that caters to the growing commercial new space market.

By working with commercial off-the-shelf electronics designed for use on Earth, the firm produces spacecraft hardware more quickly and at a lower cost than if these systems were developed from scratch.

A specially designed four-step process is used to produce its space-ready products.

First, terrestrial electronics are characterised to assess their suitability for use in orbit, then the mission requirements are mapped in detail. Next, the technology is adapted so that it can function reliably in the harsh environment of space before being put through its paces in specialist test facilities ahead of launch.

This approach was used to deliver a video telemetry system that captured key elements of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which was lofted into orbit on 25 December last year.

Webb – the largest science observatory ever to be sent to space – is set to deliver unprecedented insight into the evolution of the Universe.

ArianeGroup selected Réaltra in 2019 to design and manufacture the video telemetry system, which successfully relayed high-definition footage of Webb separating from its customised Ariane 5 launcher some 1400 km above Earth’s surface before the spacecraft continued its journey to its observing position about 1.5 million km from Earth.

The system was successfully developed despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented Réaltra from using overseas test facilities to ensure the technology could function reliably in space.

This obstacle was overcome thanks to the help of a number of companies that developed new services in Ireland from scratch, enabling Réaltra to test and deliver fully qualified technology without a delay.

These firms included surface technology specialist Enbio – which built a thermal vacuum chamber – and testing company Resonate, which developed a bespoke shock-testing system. In addition, Ireland-based Compliance Engineering International adapted their electromagnetic compatibility test facilities to support the development of Réaltra’s technology.

Réaltra based the development of the Webb video system on separate video telemetry technology that it is designing and manufacturing for Europe’s next-generation Ariane 6 launcher. Initiated in 2017, this activity is expected to deliver compact video telemetry systems for the launch vehicle.

The company is also set to make important contributions to future ground-breaking science missions.  

In 2018, the firm was selected to develop technology that will enable ESA’s next-generation exoplanet mission – Plato – to search the skies for planets that have the potential to support life. The mission is scheduled to launched in 2026.

As part of a consortium led by German technology firm OHB Systems, Réaltra is designing and manufacturing a crucial payload interface unit that will provide the thermal control system for Plato’s telescopes.  

In addition to institutional missions, Réaltra is developing hardware for a range of commercial missions and launchers, both within Europe and around the world.

The company develops its technology in collaboration with a number of firms across Europe, including several agile Irish firms, such as its manufacturing partner Realtime Technologies.

Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer at Réaltra, said: “The strides that our small company has made in the four years since it was founded is a testament to its customer centred, success oriented, co-engineering approach to producing space-qualified hardware, which was developed thanks to our talented and passionate team at Réaltra, as well as the strong cooperation with our commercial partners, Enterprise Ireland and ESA.

“We look forward to future collaboration with our Irish, European and global partners to develop technology that will enable lower cost institutional and commercial space activities going forward.”