Creotech Instruments, a GPW-listed manufacturer of satellites, satellite systems, and components, has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop and deliver the functional prototype of an autonomous, modular observation station for detecting and tracking Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). Valued at €1.6 million, the project will be completed over the next 13 months.
“This project marks another milestone in the development of our product portfolio in the field of space observation. Thanks to our collaboration with ESA, we are creating technologies that not only enhance the safety of our planet but also open new business opportunities – from the sale of observation stations to the commercialization of observational data. The Telescope Array Functional Prototype is also an important step in building Creotech Instruments’ capabilities in early-warning and NEO monitoring systems. The project will enable us to develop technologies suitable for both scientific missions and commercial space safety ventures. It’s also further proof that technologies developed in Poland are playing a role in world-class international space programs,”
says Dr. Grzegorz Brona, CEO of Creotech Instruments S.A.
The project involves the development of a functional prototype of a station integrating telescopes, sCMOS cameras, a filter-equipped positioning system, as well as control, communication, and power modules. The outcome will be a complete, autonomous module ready to operate within a network of observatories. The project will deliver a technology demonstrator at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, enabling further scaling and commercialization.
The Telescope Array system will be capable of monitoring potential collision threats with Earth and conducting commercial observations within B2G (Business-to-Government) and B2B (Business-to-Business) models.
The project will also expand Creotech’s product line with a new type of astronomical camera designed specifically for observing Near-Earth Objects, leveraging a modern sensor. This will be the second product of its kind after the CreoSky 6000 camera, addressing the increasing demand for early-warning systems against spaceborne threats.
The project supports the goals of the Polish Space Strategy 2030, strengthening national capabilities in space security and defense.
Creotech Instruments’ share of the project budget amounts to approximately €503,000, of which around €370,000 will be allocated to the development of the NEO observation-dedicated camera.
Creotech will carry out the project in cooperation with Austrian firm ASA Astrosysteme GmbH, Polish IT company 6Roads Sp. z o.o., and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
Following the ongoing corporate restructuring of Creotech Instruments S.A., the project will be continued under the newly formed Creotech Quantum S.A.
Source: ceo.com.pl
