SWISSto12 introduces the new name: HummingSat as well as the logo for its small telecommunications satellite product line. HummingSat operates in geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above the Earth and brings a new solution to connect society with modern technology. 

This new satellite product line and the first protoflight model are in development and construction under a Partnership contract between ESA and SWISSto12 for delivery by SWISSto12 of a satellite to an operator acting as the anchor commercial end-customer with a planned launch date in 2025. 

A HummingSat is significantly smaller than conventional geostationary telecommunication satellites, and therefore benefits from a rideshare launch strategy. Despite its small size, the satellite powers a highly capable telecommunications payload with approximately 2 kW of power, which is enabled by SWISSto12’s unique 3D printed RF products and systems. HummingSat provides satellite operators with a bespoke and competitive solution for delivery of regional or gap-filling services as well as economic replacement of aging satellites. 

Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12 said, “SWISSto12 is proudly investing in the HummingSat product line since several years, I am now thrilled to see it has matured to become a competitive offering for satellite telecommunication operators. Our first satellite is now fully launched in its design and construction, and we aim at making reuse of this development to commercialize our HummingSats based on a standardized platform along with optimized payloads to service at best each one of our customers.” 

The name is inspired by the Hummingbird (or Colibri), small and agile by nature, as our small satellite will be once deployed and operational.