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The LunaRecycle Challenge, an inspiring initiative led by NASA, is on a mission to revolutionize recycling and waste management on a global scale. This challenge invites engineers, scientists, and sustainability innovators from around the world to design pioneering recycling solutions that will support our planet and, potentially, future space missions.

Why the LunaRecycle Challenge?

Recycling is a critical component in reducing our environmental impact, but current systems face limitations that leave much room for improvement. With this challenge, NASA aims to empower talented engineers to rethink traditional recycling methods and push the boundaries of sustainable design. The LunaRecycle Challenge focuses on innovative recycling solutions that are both effective on Earth and potentially adaptable for space exploration.

Imagine a solution that could turn waste into valuable resources, both on our planet and on future lunar or Martian bases!

Who Should Apply?

The LunaRecycle Challenge is open for all with interest on sustainability, waste management, and environmental impact. This is a rare chance to apply your expertise to a NASA-led project with far-reaching implications. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or a graduate with fresh ideas, this challenge offers a platform for you to make a meaningful contribution to a greener world.

Candidates “should” have:

• Background in engineering, materials science, or environmental science,
• Experience or strong interest in waste management and recycling,
• Passion for sustainability and innovative problem-solving,
• A drive to contribute to a project that could shape the future of space exploration.

The Challenge Goals

Participants in the LunaRecycle Challenge will tackle a series of objectives designed to push the envelope of recycling innovation:

1. Efficient Resource Recovery: Develop methods to extract valuable materials from waste with minimal environmental impact.
2. Circular Economy Solutions: Create designs that support a closed-loop system, where waste materials are continually repurposed.
3. Adaptability for Space Environments: Imagine systems that could work under unique conditions, from extreme temperatures to low gravity.

By addressing these objectives, participants will be helping to pioneer recycling solutions that can serve Earth’s ecosystems and assist future space missions.

What’s in it for you?

Beyond the chance to work on a project with NASA, participants in the LunaRecycle Challenge gain:

• Recognition from NASA and potential future collaborators in sustainability and space exploration.
• Access to expert mentorship from industry leaders.
• An opportunity to network with other like-minded innovators and sustainability advocates.
• A chance to make a direct impact on environmental sustainability.

No limit to your power, apply and bring your ideas to a project that can make a true impact on our world and beyond.

Want to find out more? Stay tuned.

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Comat speeds into the future with France 2030

Comat and its partners have reached a new strategic milestone with the selection of two of their projects by CNES and Bpifrance as part of the France 2030 plan. The aim of these projects is to develop and pre-qualify two critical mechanisms:

• Reaction wheels and a Solar Array Drive Mechanism (SADM). These innovations will play a key role in the development of satellite constellations, reinforcing France’s sovereignty and technological excellence in the space sector.

ASTR2: a sovereign technological alliance for reaction wheels

The aim of the ASTR2 project is to develop and pre-qualify a new range of reaction wheels specifically for the large constellation market, based on 100% French technology. These reaction wheels, which are crucial for stabilising and orienting satellites in orbit, guarantee the success of their missions by ensuring precise orientation.

© Comat / Big Wheels

• An extended range: the ASTR2 project will extend the current range by developing reaction wheels with a momentum of 1 to 50 Nms, to equip satellites weighing from 150 to 1,000 kg.
• French technology for constellations: this new range will complement the reaction wheels already fitted to Kinéis’ constellation of 25 nanosatellites, dedicated to Internet of Things (IoT) services.

To realise this project, Comat has surrounded itself with key partners: STEEL for the electronics, NOVATEM for the motors, and ADR for the bearings. Together, these experts are helping to make this project a real showcase for French technology.

SADM-1500: a new-generation solar orientation mechanism

The second project, SADM-1500 (Solar Array Drive Mechanism), focuses on the development and qualification of a mechanism capable of transferring 1,500 W per solar array.

• Energy optimisation: this mechanism enables satellites to optimise the solar exposure of their panels, thereby increasing their autonomy and performance.

Comat has retained its trusted partners in the ASTR2 project, joining forces with STEEL for the electronics and NOVATEM for the engines. This project highlights French expertise in the design of innovative mechanisms to boost the performance and lifetime of tomorrow’s constellations.

SATURNE: a factory for serial production

As part of the France 2030 plan, Comat is also committed to boosting its industrial production capacity by launching the SATURNE project. This ambitious project will result in the creation of a new factory for constellation, equipped with clean rooms specially dedicated to the mass production of mechanisms. Construction of this plant began at the end of August 2024, with delivery scheduled for the end of 2025.

Made in France production

Comat and its partners are proud to be contributing to France’s autonomy in the space sector by strengthening local production of critical technologies.

Thanks to these two projects, France is at the forefront of innovation in satellite constellations.

A major step forward for the French space industry

With the support of the France 2030 plan, the ASTR2 and SADM-1500 projects demonstrate France’s determination to become a world leader in the production of cutting-edge space equipment, while ensuring the sovereignty of its strategic technologies. Thanks to the collaboration of industrial partners and the creation of the SATURNE constellation factory, Comat is establishing itself as a key player in the new era of French New Space.

Want to find out more? Stay tuned for the next stages of this adventure!

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Comat selected to join the ETIncelle program

A few months ago, we were selected to participate in the ETIncelle program, an initiative led by the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.

This program is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their growth journey by offering personalized guidance and strategic resources.

© Comat / smallsat reaction wheels – RW20

What is the ETIncelle program?

The ETIncelle program aims to support high-potential SMEs by providing them with tools and tailored support to meet their specific needs. This program includes:

• A personalized diagnosis of the company to identify growth drivers.
• Thematic workshops covering key areas such as innovation, digitalization, export, and more.
• Individualized follow-up with experts to implement customized development strategies.

For more details about this program, you can visit the official ministry website here.

Why were we selected?

Our company was chosen to participate in the ETIncelle program due to our strong growth potential and commitment to innovation in our industry. This selection is based on several criteria:

• Continuous innovation in our products and services, setting us apart in our market.
• Strong economic performance demonstrated by sustained growth in recent years.
• Strategic vision aligned with the ETIncelle program’s objectives, particularly in terms of digitalization and international expansion.

What are our development objectives?

With the support of the ETIncelle program, we have set ambitious goals for the coming months to strengthen our market position and innovate in key areas:

Expanding our international presence

We aim to enter new markets in Europe and beyond by leveraging our expertise and capacity for innovation. This international development will be a major growth driver for our company.

Providing equipment for new constellations

We are committed to actively contributing to the supply of equipment for new satellite constellations that will deliver the next generation of communication, surveillance, observation, and Internet of Things (IoT) services.

These cutting-edge technologies are at the heart of innovation and represent a crucial strategic focus for our company.

Design and mass production of equipment

We are implementing efficient industrial processes for the design and mass production of high-quality equipment. This capability to produce in large quantities while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability is essential to meet the growing demand from our customers.

In summary

Our selection for the ETIncelle program represents a tremendous opportunity for our company to take the next step in our growth. We look forward to keeping you informed of the progress we make through this program and sharing our future successes with you.

Stay connected to follow our journey!

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Europe’s first IoT constellation!

Kineis has just successfully launched its constellation of IoT (Internet of Things) satellites, a first in Europe, sending up its first 5 satellites out of a planned 25. Let’s take a look at the details of this resounding success!

© Kinéis

🌍 Did you know?

Almost 90% of the Earth’s surface is still without terrestrial internet and mobile networks? These are known as “white zones”. The Kinéis system enables data to be transmitted in near-real time to connected objects, offering low-energy global connectivity. It focuses on areas that are essential to people, their activities and their environment, ensuring connectivity where it matters most.

A new era for IoT satellites 🛰️

Kineis sent its first 5 satellites into orbit on 20 June 2024 aboard Rocket Lab‘s ELECTRON mini launcher. The remaining satellites will be sent in batches of 5 via 4 further launches.

This innovative constellation is set to transform global connectivity, offering reliable and robust data transmission for a multitude of applications, from environmental monitoring to asset tracking. It’s the start of a new era!

This constellation is equipped with our RW40 jet wheels, perfectly suited to satellites of this weight. They provide excellent agility and a service life of 8 years.

Each component has been carefully selected and rigorously tested to extend the life of the mission.

Another technological feat on Kineis satellites is the deployable antenna patented by Comat. This unique antenna combines three essential functions in one:

• Automatic deployment: It deploys itself once in orbit, considerably simplifying operations and enabling rapid commissioning.
• Integrated UHF antenna: Ensures efficient data transmission across the globe.
• Support for on-board S-band antenna: Provides robust connectivity for a range of applications, from telemetry to advanced communications.

The launch of the Kineis IoT constellation highlights the importance of collaboration and technological innovation in the space industry. With the success of the Rocket Lab launches and our expertise in space hardware, this constellation promises great things.

We’re proud to be part of this exciting adventure,
and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the next 4 launches.

The exhibit that brings space closer to home

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From the dawn of humanity, an insatiable quest for adventure and exploration has driven us forward. Today, this innate thirst for discovery reaches beyond our planet, profoundly impacting our daily lives. Space technologies permeate every aspect of our existence, often unnoticed.

To illuminate their significance, we are unveiling a series of posters in an exhibition titled “In the Heart of the Stars | Au cœur des étoiles.” This captivating showcase reveals the myriad applications of space technologies and their transformative benefits for society.

Unveiling the exhibition’s secrets

It consists of seven posters, each dedicated to a specific application of space missions. We have made the information accessible and engaging for everyone.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll discover:

Please Note:

In the Heart of the Stars is a temporary public exhibition.

Don’t miss it!

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From October 2nd to 3rd, the Toulouse Space Week took place at the Cité de l’Espace, gathering international participants for a series of conferences, meetings, and tours.

It offered a platform for participants to delve into the latest advancements in space technology and gain valuable industry insights. One of the highlights was the presentation of our development strategy for reaction wheels. While our current range caters to satellites weighing between 10 and 150 kg, we are now focusing on expanding our product line to provide high-quality reaction wheels for satellites up to 1000 kg.

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Our nano-thruster is about to go into space! It will soon embark on the Vega VV23 mission, for a series of flight tests.