Israel-based Elbit Systems launches nanosatellite for commercial communication applications

Elbit Systems, an Israel-based company that develops, manufactures, and integrates defense electronics and electro-optic systems, today announced the successful launch of NANOVA nanosatellite to space. NANOVA was developed in collaboration with a U.S. company as part of the BIRD foundation initiative and is planned to be a part of a nanosatellite constellation for commercial purposes. NANOVA will be operated from a ground control station set up at the Company site in Haifa, Israel.

The NANOVA nanosatellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the South of India, onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. NANOVA was set out to its orbit 18 minutes from launch at an altitude of 580 kilometers. NANOVA is a 3U (the size of a juice carton), 5kg CubeSat that hosts an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communication payload providing a direct satellite link for data, voice and text messaging.

Founded in 1999, the Haifa, Israel-based Elbit Systems is focused on designing, developing, manufacturing and integrating command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network centric systems, including unmanned vehicles, for defense and homeland security applications. They also perform upgrade programs for airborne, land and naval defense platforms, often as a prime contractor. Moreover, they develop and manufacture avionic and aerostructure products for the commercial aviation market. In addition, they provide a range of support services.

Elbit Systems’ decades of experience in designing, manufacturing and deploying space electro-optic payloads, space structures and satellite communications together with its leadership in avionics, autonomous systems and Artificial Intelligence, provide the Company with a unique technological foundation for providing end-to-end nanosatellite constellation solutions.

Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace Division, said: “We are proud to commence activities in the area of nanosatellite constellations. We plan to continue to invest in this emerging field, expanding our sensing capabilities and the range of potential applications.”

Designed to meet strict cost-efficiency requirements, NANOVA integrates in-house mature capabilities and commercial-off-the-shelf space-hardened components, while featuring advanced UI/UX and sophisticated analytical tools. These make NANOVA an attractive solution for reliable communication services in areas with limited or no satellite coverage. Such services are required for a range of commercial applications including search and rescue operations, emergency communications from remote areas, fleet logistical and tracking management as well as Machine to Machine monitoring and sensing for a wide variety of needs.

The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.