Ariane 6 set to launch OOV-Cube mission with Internet of Things applications

Ariane 6 set to launch OOV-Cube mission with Internet of Things applications
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 24, 2024

Ariane 6, Europe's latest addition to its space launch fleet, is poised to carry out its maiden flight soon, marking a new era in space missions. This inaugural flight will feature a diverse range of payloads, from satellites scrutinizing Earth to those venturing into deep space, highlighting the new rocket's capability to handle versatile missions.

Among the missions, the OOV-Cube (On Orbit Verification Cube), a 25-by-25 cm nanosatellite developed by the Technical University of Berlin and RapidCubes, will be placed into a low Earth orbit at 580 km altitude. OOV-Cube aims to integrate wildlife tracking with advanced Internet of Things technology.

This mission encompasses multiple experiments designed to open new possibilities for small satellite constellations. "This mission could assist with significant issues facing humanity," states Walter Frese, CEO of RapidCubes.

OOV-Cube is set to perform pioneering demonstrations, such as testing the 'mioty' high-performance Internet of Things communication protocol, which could revolutionize how scientists track wildlife remotely. "Integrating our cloud detection network onto OOV-Cube's machine learning hardware marks an exciting new frontier," says Alexander Balke, project manager at AITHER, TU Berlin.

Furthermore, the mission will explore in-orbit image processing using AI, potentially accelerating data analysis for wildlife monitoring. It will also evaluate new technologies like cost-effective perovskite solar cells and an L-band radio system critical for future satellite servicing missions.

"The emotional impact of receiving the first successful data from OOV-Cube is immense, coupled with the pride of contributing to environmental conservation," adds Frese.

Ariane 6 is slated for a launch window in mid-2024, following the highly successful Ariane 5, which served as Europe's primary launcher for over two decades. The new rocket features the restartable Vinci engine, enhancing its adaptability by enabling multiple orbit insertions and efficient deorbit maneuvers.

Enrico Stoll, Chair of Space Technology at TU Berlin, reflects on the mission's importance: "Launching OOV-Cube on Ariane 6 represents a significant milestone, combining our academic expertise with our spin-off's innovation, adding a valuable dimension to our satellite operations."