“Beyond Gravity Teams Up for Avionics and Flight Software”

Beyond Gravity, a company based in Zurich, has recently joined forces with Rocket Lab in the US to offer pre-integrated avionics and flight software solutions to the constellation market. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive solution for satellite operators looking to streamline their operations and enhance performance.

One of the key offerings from Beyond Gravity is the constellation On Board Computer (cOBC), which serves as the central command and data handling unit for satellites of various sizes. The cOBC is a complete subsystem that offers a range of functions, including on-board processing, precise satellite positioning, ground communication, and interfaces for both platform and payload components.

Designed using off-the-shelf components, the cOBC is not only cost-effective but also boasts shorter lead times and superior performance. This flexibility allows satellite operators to customize the functionality of the flight computer to align with their specific mission requirements, whether in low-earth orbit, medium-earth orbit, geostationary earth orbit, or lunar orbit.

Moreover, Beyond Gravity has expanded its operations by establishing a lithography division and focusing on power electronics for loft Orbital. The company is also ramping up the production of satellite dispensers to meet the growing demand in the space industry.

Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity, expressed confidence in the partnership with Rocket Lab, stating, “With more than 300 units of our constellation On Board Computer sold, we have set a standard for satellite computing for constellations. The collaboration with Rocket Lab allows their advanced flight software to seamlessly integrate with our computer, offering customers a comprehensive avionics and ground operations package.”

Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Rocket Lab Space Systems, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, saying, “Rocket Lab’s collaboration with Beyond Gravity enables us to provide a cutting-edge technology solution that simplifies payload interfacing. Our software suites, InterMission and MAX Constellation, are designed to enhance autonomy, security, and scalability for complex space missions and constellation operations.”

Rocket Lab’s InterMission software suite offers a scalable ground data and space operations platform that enables real-time monitoring of spacecraft. It incorporates encryption, user authentication, and access control features to safeguard critical mission data. On the other hand, MAX Constellation builds upon Rocket Lab’s successful MAX Flight Software, which has been utilized in various Earth orbits and lunar missions.

By leveraging the MAX Constellation and InterMission software suites, customers utilizing the cOBC from Beyond Gravity can significantly reduce development and testing efforts. This streamlined approach allows satellite operators to focus on payload integration, ultimately accelerating the time to launch and enhancing mission readiness.