Sky and Space Global Ltd. (SAS), an Austalian “new space” company formed in 2006, announced it has completed the critical design review (CDR) of the Pearls nanosatellite, designed by partner GomSpace, a manufacturer of nanosatellites based in Denmark. The program now proceeds to assembly and integration of the Pearls satellite network.

SAS plans to deploy a constellation of 200 nanosatellites over the equatorial belt to provide affordable and constant voice, data, instant messaging, M2M and IoT communications for applications such as offshore communication, “smart” farming, interactive TV, vehicle and animal tracking, water and electric metering, grid monitoring and ATM connectivity. The capabilities of the constellation will include a range of life-saving and emergency services, including search and rescue, disaster management, emergency response, security alarms and recreational tracking.

SAS' vision is to provide communication services to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The nanosatellite design and CDR were performed by GomSpace, SAS' satellite partner. The CDR review assessed all aspects of the design and program, including the schedule, design, altitude control performance and system budgets (mass, power and link) to ensure each meets the required standard to progress to satellite construction.

The review concluded that the GomSpace Pearls design complies with the requirements, and the program can progress to assembly and integration, which will also be performed by GomSpace.

Once construction and integration are complete, the nanosatellites will pass through additional technical assessments and testing, including a final acceptance test. The initial launch is planned during 2019.

“We have successfully completed the CDR with GomSpace, reaching another milestone and remaining on track for next year's planned launch.” — Meir Moalem, co-founder, managing director and CEO at SAS