• The EU supported GEORyder project will provide cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable access to GEO orbits via a reusable orbital transfer vehicle
• Deimos will add the control module for proximity operations and its standardised attitude orbit control subsystem (AOCS) to the project

Madrid, Spain, 16 December 2024 – Deimos, an Indra company, has joined the GEORyder consortium. GeoRyder is led by Infinite Orbits, a NewSpace in orbit services company focused on GEO orbit, and supported by the EU under the Horizon Grant. As part of this arrangement, Deimos will add the control module for proximity operations and its standardised attitude orbit control subsystem “READY-200” to the GEORyder project.  
GEORyder aims to design a reusable Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) that will provide cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable access to geostationary orbits (GEO) for small satellites. It intends to transform the European space landscape, which suffers logistical challenges that constrain smallsat access to GEO.

Providing reliable and affordable means of GEO access for smallsats operators, GEORyder requires less CAPEX than direct GEO launches and avoids significant delays in deployment. Its target is the satellite servicing and relocation markets, which has seen an immense growth in recent years.

READY-200 is highly configurable and particularly suited for Earth Observation missions. Deimos developed the system in collaboration with ESA. It can easily and quickly support new operational modes and hardware configurations. This simplifies development of the mission and reduces overall development costs. The AOCS leverages extensive past development, adapting the hardware to survive in the GEO radiation environment and providing new operational modes.

The consortium consists of eight European companies from seven countries including Arianespace, Dawn Aerospace, Berlin Space Tech, Politecnico di Milano, Skylabs, and Space Applications Services.

“The GEORyder OTV will be a game-changer capable to disrupt space transportation and enhance Europe’s position in sustainable space solutions,” said Simone Centuori, CEO of Deimos. “Our AOCS product is highly innovative, in both its provision of very high pointing stability and its agility. Joining this project proves, yet again, our extensive capabilities for advanced solutions for the small satellites sector.”

GEORyder’s planned capabilities include transferring small satellites of up to 150kg from geotransfer orbit (GTO) to GEO, while also providing in-orbit servicing. Its estimated travel time is under three weeks, saving extra costs, fuel expenses, radiation in the Van Allen belts, and eliminating the need for self-orbit-raising.

After the initial release of a customer satellite, it is projected that the OTV will be able to get refuelled and travel back to GTO to dock with the next customer. The successful completion of the preliminary design review marks a significant milestone in the development of the OTV, and brings this innovative system another step closer to operational reality.

With integrated refueling capabilities and a green chemical propulsion system compliant with the EU’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations, the vehicle supports the EU’s Green Deal objectives for a carbon-neutral economy.

Adel Haddoud, CEO & co-founder of Infinite Orbits, said: “GEORyder responds to the urgent need for efficient OTVs compatible with current GEO needs. It will allow operators to rely on smaller satellites in GEO with a compatible launch solution.

“The combination of our vision-based rendezvous solution and a refuellable servicer will enable cost-effective in-orbit services, enhancing affordable access to GEO.”

About Infinite Orbits
Infinite Orbits specialize attitude orbit control subsystem s in GEO in-orbit services such as space-based SSA, inspection and life extension. The company has demonstrated unique capabilities in designing and developing small GEO satellites tailored for in-orbit services, through its advanced patented Autonomous Navigation solution Vision Based for services relying on rendezvous capability. Headquartered in Toulouse (France), Infinite Orbits has affiliates in the USA and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.infiniteorbits.io

About Deimos
Deimos, founded in 2001, is a European technology company with approximately 500 professionals. In 2024, it became part of Indra, one of the leading global defence, air traffic and space companies. Deimos is headquartered in Spain and operates through subsidiaries in five countries.

In the space sector, Deimos offers end-to-end services, from small satellite design and integration to micro-launcher subsystem development and Earth observation satellite operations. Deimos also provides satellite data and end-user applications, ensuring a full range of solutions for clients.

In addition to its engineering expertise, Deimos delivers operational space and ground infrastructure services, such as satellite tracking and data reception. Through the Deimos Sky Survey (DESS) Center, the company plays a crucial role in Space Safety and Awareness by tracking and cataloging space debris and near-Earth objects, contributing to the sustainability and safety of space activities.
For more information, visit www.deimos-space.com