Creotech Instruments to Design Six Research Probes for ESA Space Mission

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Creotech Instruments to design six radiation-resistant space probes for the EUR 0.5bn Plasma Observatory scientific mission. This marks the first M-class mission where a Polish company will serve as the supplier of complete space probes. Under the contract, Creotech will handle phases A and B1 of the project, covering the feasibility study and preliminary mission design, and design space probes capable of operating beyond Earth’s geostationary orbit (GEO). The engineering team will also design and produce a complete suite of radiation-resistant satellite electronic systems, paving the way for future space missions beyond low Earth orbit. The satellite avionics developed as part of this process will be tested in 2026, including in ESA laboratories.

The goal of the Plasma Observatory mission is to advance our understanding of how energy is distributed in the plasma surrounding Earth. Achieving this will require the design of an unconventional research instrument shaped like a large tetrahedron, with one side potentially extending over 100,000 km. Six “daughter” space probes, based on Creotech Instruments’ modified HyperSat platform, along with a “mothership” (to be selected in a separate tender), will form this tetrahedron in space between Earth and the Moon, conducting several years of plasma measurements. The mission launch is scheduled for 2037.

“We are deeply honored and excited that ESA has chosen us to adapt the HyperSat platform for the Plasma Observatory mission. This is only the seventh flagship M-class exploration mission of the European Space Agency. Our team is ready for this challenge. We plan to start the project soon and are confident that our innovative approach will contribute to the mission’s success. This is a significant opportunity for Creotech to further develop and strengthen our position in the international space market as a provider of comprehensive, high-quality satellite solutions,” says Grzegorz Brona, PhD, President of the Management Board (CEO) of Creotech Instruments S.A.

Valued at EUR 3.95m, the contract for phases A and B1 of the design for six “daughter” space probes, for which Creotech Instruments is responsible, will begin in Q3 2024 and run for two years. After the project’s completion, the European Space Agency will choose one of three proposed M-class missions for further execution. The final candidates for the ESA’s medium mission include M-Matisse, Plasma Observatory, and Theseus.

If the Plasma Observatory mission is selected, Creotech Instruments will have the opportunity to manufacture and deliver six satellites based on its proprietary HyperSat platform. The final decision on the mission selection is expected in 2026.

“I am delighted that we are starting work on the first Polish radiation-resistant satellite, which will allow us to enter a market previously reserved for the largest space technology providers. We are committed to ensuring that our solutions meet the highest standards set by the ESA. Moreover, the development of the Polish HyperSat RadHard satellite platform will raise the entire space sector in our country to new heights. Our domestic sector will now be capable of missions to not only Earth’s geostationary orbit but also lunar and beyond. This move aligns with our broader product strategy for the space market,“ said Jakub Bochiński, PhD, Deputy Director for Space Products at Creotech Instruments.

The selection process and all underlying negotiations were conducted under a direct format, skipping the tender phase, with the immediate designation of the Polish company as the preferred partner for ESA’s mission.

Creotech Instruments is currently leading the EagleEye mission, which involves launching the largest and most advanced satellite in Polish history. The launch, taking place this summer from the Vandenberg Base in the United States, will have its exact date announced soon.