In a bold move for the space industry, the University of Malta, in collaboration with Blu5 Labs Ltd, has filed for a patent for a revolutionary new pico-satellite architecture, named the PQ8 architecture, that promises to substantially decrease pico-satellite costs, and particularly when large constellations of such satellites need to be deployed in low earth orbit.
The landmark ASTREA project has been a culmination of several years of development for the team led by , the principal investigator, who worked in tandem with his diligent PhD students and Darren Debattista, and committed research engineers Oliver Vassallo and as well as the numerous multilateral collaborations between members of a research group that bears the same name as the project. Their ground breaking effort is also a testament to the many other students who have contributed to this endeavour in the past.
"We are on the brink of transforming the small-satellite industry with the issuance of a new standard," says Dr Azzopardi. "Our patent-pending PQ8 architecture makes launching, deploying and maintaining pico-satellites far more economical than current practices, thereby making space exploration more accessible for everyone."
Funded with a €195,000 grant by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) as part of the R&I FUSION initiative, the project underscores Malta's commitment to championing innovation and scientific breakthroughs. The project kicked off in May 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic but was steered intelligently to make it work despite the severe hindrances.
ASTREA's technology introduction is set to catalyse new possibilities within the space industry and beyond, enabling more entities to participate in space exploration and satellite operations. This achievement showcases the power of collaborative research and epitomizes how academic institutions and industry can work together to push the boundaries of what's possible.
The University of Malta and Blu5 Labs are thrilled to have brought this innovative technology to fruition, and they anticipate that this breakthrough will contribute to a new chapter in the story of global space exploration and satellite technology.
About the University of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest teaching institution in Malta. It is publicly funded and open to all those who have the requisite qualifications. The University's structures are in line with the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education area.
About Blu5 Labs Ltd
Blu5 Labs is an innovative technology company based in Malta that is committed to developing revolutionary solutions. The company has a rich history of successful collaborations with academic institutions and is renowned for its forward-thinking approach.
Further information can be made available by contacting .
ASTREA is financed by the Malta Council for Science & Technology (MCST), through FUSION: The R&I technology Development Programme 2019.
