Proba-3, launched on December 5, 2024, consists of two satellites that work in unison to achieve a precise solar eclipse, enabling detailed observations of the Sun's corona. The mission's primary instrument, ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun), relies on software designed entirely by N7 Mobile - a significant step for the company and the industry.
"Proba-3 is a relatively small experimental mission with contributions from newer ESA Member States, including Romania, Czech Republic, and Poland," said ESA's Proba-3 Project Manager Damian Galano. "Rather than using an established contractor, we entrusted a new entrant with developing software from scratch, and the results exceeded expectations."
The ASPIICS instrument required a dedicated onboard computer, and N7 Space was tasked with creating software capable of processing telecommands, managing mission data, and maintaining the satellites' precise alignment for extended solar observations. This challenge involved over 12,000 hours of meticulous software development.
"This project demanded a completely different approach compared to mobile app development," Michal explained. "Unlike apps, space software must function flawlessly without real-time fixes. We invested heavily in a simulator to test our software extensively before integration."
Michal noted, "We had to master ESA's formal processes for software design and testing. This ensured verification, traceability, and high code quality. At the same time, we benefited from tools like ESA's TASTE environment, which streamlined development for real-time systems."
In addition to continuing collaborations with ESA on missions like Hera and Ariel, N7 Space supports the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope control systems. The company also offers pre-qualified space products to help other organizations accelerate their software development.
Through partnerships, including a joint venture with Belgium's SPACEBEL group, N7 Space has extended its reach into global markets. "We've grown beyond Europe, attracting customers in diverse sectors thanks to the credibility established through ESA partnerships," Michal added.
As Proba-3 embarks on its mission, N7 Space is already preparing for new challenges, demonstrating how fostering new players in the space industry leads to sustained innovation.