Two innovative ESA BIC UK alumni companies, Space DOTS and SmartIR, have achieved remarkable milestones with their successful launches aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. The mission, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks a significant step forward in both companies’ journeys to revolutionise space technology and environmental intelligence. 

Space DOTS: A Major Leap for Environmental Intelligence in Space 

Space DOTS reached a major milestone with the successful launch of its first environmental gathering unit, the Data DOT payload, which is now orbiting Earth on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sun-synchronous orbit.  

This achievement represents years of hard work, resilience, and a deep belief in their mission to provide critical environmental intelligence for the space industry. Space DOTS will begin testing the payload and sharing updates as they continue to push the boundaries of how environmental data is gathered and used in space. 

SmartIR: Accelerating Graphene Commercialisation in Space 

For SmartIR, the launch marks the next phase of its journey to revolutionise satellite thermal management. The company’s graphene-enabled adaptive radiator has been successfully integrated into a pico-satellite, which was launched aboard the mission. This mission represents SmartIR’s Mission 2.0 and plays a crucial role in accelerating the company’s technology readiness level (TRL), moving them closer to market entry. 

SmartIR’s graphene adaptive radiator is set to transform satellite thermal management, drastically reducing mass and power requirements. This breakthrough has the potential to bring significant cost savings for satellite manufacturers, integrators, operators, and launch providers, all while maintaining optimal performance in space’s harsh conditions. 

Looking Ahead: The Future for Space DOTS and SmartIR 

Both Space DOTS and SmartIR are on exciting trajectories. Space DOTS continues to redefine the future of environmental intelligence in space, while SmartIR’s advancements in graphene technology pave the way for new satellite capabilities. These launches are a testament to the innovation and resilience of ESA BIC UK alumni, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for these companies. 

Space DOTS were incubated with ESA BIC UK at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and graduated the programme in January 2024. SmartIR were incubated in the Northwest at Sci-Tech Daresbury and graduated in August 2023.