Brno Space Cluster to Build a Technologically Groundbreaking Satellite for Ukraine

Brno Tech Region

News

28. October 2024

The Brno Space Cluster, in cooperation with the Brno Regional Chamber of Commerce, has unveiled the Drak mission. Its objective is to manufacture and launch into Earth’s orbit a satellite equipped with a high-resolution camera. The imagery provided will be used for Ukraine’s defence purposes.

Brno Space Cluster to Build a Technologically Groundbreaking Satellite for Ukraine

The technologically advanced Drak satellite, developed by Brno companies that three years ago founded the largest Czech space industry association, the Brno Space Cluster, will be equipped with a camera providing ultra-high-resolution images. The data from the satellite will be encrypted, protecting it from potential misuse. Additionally, Drak will be equipped with technologies designed to safeguard and defend borders and aid in the recovery of the war-torn country. These parameters make the mission unique.

The scope of the entire project is also extraordinary, which is why its financing will be shared by both state and commercial institutions. A crowdfunding campaign will run in parallel, as part of the “A Present for Putin” initiative by the Foundation for Ukraine, allowing every citizen of the Czech Republic to participate at www.misedrak.cz. To make the mission a reality and launch the satellite into space, over CZK 150 million needs to be raised.

"Although this may seem like a large sum, similar high-performance satellites are usually ten times more expensive. Furthermore, the satellite is just one component of the mission. The primary focus is the data and how quickly the information can be delivered where it is needed. This requires significant ground infrastructure. Lastly, freedom and security are priceless,” said Petr Kapoun, Chairman of the Brno Space Cluster and CEO of TRL Space.

The company coordinates the entire mission. The high-resolution camera will be complemented by algorithms for automatic object detection and identification. The Brno-based startup Zaitra, which is developing a component capable of identifying objects directly on board using AI-based algorithms, plays a key role in this. The data will be processed directly on the satellite, a domain of another Brno company, World from Space. Lastly, CORAC Engineering, a technological startup, will provide the critical software to secure communication between the satellite and Earth.

"Brno, with its industrial foundation, is an ideal place for such a project. Companies associated under the Brno Space Cluster have already participated in numerous large international projects that are continually enhancing the Czech Republic's competencies in the European space industry," stated Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková, who has taken patronage over the project, adding, "We want to make it clear that we still stand with Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for more than two years."

Founded in 2021 by nine entities from the private and academic sectors involved in the space industry, the Brno Space Cluster has quickly succeeded. Within the first year, it expanded by another ten members, growing to a current total of twenty-two. It is now the largest space association in the Czech Republic. The cluster aims to connect companies working on space projects and create its own commercial and scientific products.

The cluster also focuses on education and the popularization of space activities. In 2023, the companies forming the cluster recorded revenues exceeding CZK 350 million, representing a two-thirds increase compared to 2022

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