OneWeb, announced the launch of its first Innovation Challenge, an invitation to find innovative technologies, products and solutions, that will advance the world of satellite connectivity and spaced-based communications.
The open innovation challenge offers engineering, science, creative talent, research professionals, and subject matter experts from around the world the opportunity to redefine existing mindsets in satellite design, production, orbit, flight operations and responsible de-orbiting.
They say the challenge aims to harness ideas that will continue to improve and transform satellite-based connectivity solutions and bring forward new design ideas for future Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications technologies. OneWeb is looking for industrial partners from any sector, alongside academia students or research partners, to present proposals for how either existing or new technology could be applied to innovate the satellites of the future – from design and production to flight management and end of life removal.
OneWeb says it hopes the open innovation challenge will yield further new technology from industries outside the space sector, including automotive and Formula 1, aeronautical, micro-electronics, materials sciences and other industries.
“Space is the future for communications on Earth. To get there, we are building a technology roadmap that continuously redefines existing mindsets with new ideas, innovations, and exciting partnership opportunities. The opportunity is to play an active part in the definition and execution of OneWeb’s next generation satellite program. The winners will join a growing list of companies with access to OneWeb’s resources to help grow their ideas and be part of our global supply chain,” said OneWeb CTO Massimiliano Ladovaz.
“Our space sector is thriving, and this exciting new competition by OneWeb will help it to grow even further by drawing on the best that British industry and the next generation of researchers have to offer,” Science Minister Amanda Solloway said. “As we build back better, initiatives like this will be essential to making the most of the talents of the UK’s innovators, and I look forward to seeing what comes of it.”
Elodie Viau, director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications at the European Space Agency, said, “ESA strongly supports innovation in the space industry to enable Europe to succeed in highly competitive global markets. We are delighted to support OneWeb’s initiative to identify innovative ideas and to bring them to reality. Investing in space improves life on Earth.”
To enter, entrants must first register themselves in one of two challenge categories, then submit short written proposals before 17thMay 2021.