Rakon subsystem selected for International Space Station mission
Rakon is pleased to announce that its cutting-edge Master Reference Oscillator (MRO) subsystem has been selected by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for an in-orbit mission on board the International Space Station (ISS).
Rakon’s MRO will play a key role as part of the payload for the DLR’s ‘COMPASSO’ in-orbit validation project to test new optical technologies on the Bartolomeo platform attached to the ISS. These optical technologies will significantly improve future generations of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as the European Galileo system, by delivering greater positioning accuracy and reducing ground infrastructure size and complexity.
Known for its exceptional precision, Rakon’s MRO subsystem delivers highly accurate and ultra-stable frequencies and timing that enable communications and synchronisation for satellites and other space infrastructure. Powered by Rakon’s proprietary ultra-stable oscillator technology, the MRO ensures unparalleled reliability with uninterrupted frequency stability and timing.
For the COMPASSO project, Rakon’s MRO will facilitate comparative measurements of the optical technologies being tested (assessing the frequency stability in the relevant time-period) to compare their performance against existing systems.
Rakon is a top-3 supplier for its space subsystem products and earlier in 2024 the company announced multi-million dollar contract wins to supply its MRO subsystems for two new Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
More information about the COMPASSO project can be found on the DLR website.
More information about Rakon’s Space products is available on our website at rakon.com/space.
[Image credit: DLR]
About Rakon
Rakon is a world leader in advanced frequency control and timing solutions for communications where speed and reliability are paramount. A leading supplier of subsystems and oscillators for the fast growing global space market, Rakon also has a 40+ year legacy of working with agencies such as NASA (USA), ISRO (India), ESA (EU), CNES (France) and DLR (Germany) to develop groundbreaking products for space programmes – including ISRO’s Chandrayaan missions to explore the Moon’s South Pole and ESA’s Juice mission to study the icy moons of Jupiter.
In May 2024, Rakon announced a space subsystems contract win, worth up to $17 million over 3 years, to supply its Master Reference Oscillator (MRO) subsystems for a new Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation.
In June 2024, Rakon announced a second space subsystems contract win to supply another new LEO satellite constellation.