News
Critical Software Launches Europe Back into the Space Race
Ariane 6 - featuring telemetry software developed by Critical Software – has been launched into space.
Ariane 6, the European launcher including telemetry software developed by Critical Software, was launched on 9th July, marking a significant milestone for Europe as it gains autonomy of access to space once again.
The software developed by Critical Software generates two types of telemetry: one for monitoring the flight in real-time and another for post-processing and analysis of the flight quality.
This telemetry software aggregates and processes the immense amount of data generated by the on-board sensors in as little as 5 milliseconds, ensuring real-time and deterministic transmission constraints and requirements are met before the data are sent. Ground control stations can use the data to monitor and control the various phases of the launch. This allows for the analysis and correction of any faults which could compromise the vehicle. The solution employs time-triggered Ethernet technology and was developed in ADA2012.
The Ariane 6 launch demonstrates its versatility, placing into orbit, among others, ISTSat-1, the Instituto Superior Técnico's CubeSat. ISTSat-1 stands out as the first university satellite entirely developed and manufactured in Portugal. Additionally, the Nyx Bikini demonstrator - a precursor to the transport vehicle for the International Space Station - is also on board.
Europe’s Space Comeback
The Ariane 6 launcher, a landmark project for the European space industry, aims to increase the frequency of launches and halve their cost. This opens up new possibilities for the European Space Agency and creates unprecedented opportunities for private space companies to undertake commercial ventures.
Diogo Amorim, Business Development Manager at Critical Software, spoke of the launch: "This is a long-awaited moment for European space exploration as well as for Critical Software, with the renewed strategic autonomy offered by Ariane 6 enabling the European industry to start a new technological cycle that incorporates reusable and specialised launchers, reduced costs and stronger competition."
Ariane 6 belongs to a family of launchers designed to offer maximum flexibility by placing all types of payloads into optimised orbits. Bringing together international experts, it combines proven innovative solutions which meet market needs.
Our Work in the Space Sector
We have worked on over 25 missions as a prime or tier 1 supplier in the space sector covering the full spectrum of embedded software systems, from specifications and design to verification and validation activities.
Find out more about Critical Software’s capabilities in the space sector.