Ibadan, 4 November 2022. – Rivada Space Networks GmbH, a European network company launching a connectivity constellation for Government and Enterprise communications, announced that it has issued its request for proposals for 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, having released the RFP for the associated heavy-lift launch services two weeks ago. The company anticipates selecting a prime contractor for the space segment, parts of the ground segment, and system integration for the LEO constellation by the end of 2022 in parallel with the selection of the launch service provider.
The company intends to provide access to a secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar to or better than terrestrial fiber. The Rivada network will operate like an optical backbone in space, using lasers to interconnect satellites and deliver an ultra-secure and highly reliable global data network for business operations in the telecom, enterprise, maritime, energy, and Government services markets.
Clemens Kaiser, Rivada Space Networks Chief Program Officer, said, “following a rigorous process with a number of leading satellite manufacturers, we are glad that today we have completed another major milestone in the specification and development of our unique constellation to enable secure, global connectivity for governments and enterprises. The key attributes of RSN’s laser-linked LEO constellation architecture include global reach, low latency, ultra-security, resilience, and optional quantum key encryption.” “We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our system comprises the best the satellite industry has to offer. We are really looking forward to moving to the next phase of our program to manufacture and deploy our LEO constellation,” he added.
Furthermore, Severin Meister, Rivada Space Networks CEO, added, “RSN is a German ‘NewSpace’ innovator and disruptor. I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved in such a short time frame. Over the past eight months, we have completed the design of our satellite system and grown our teams in Munich and Berlin to further develop the company’s technical, commercial, and regulatory competencies. With over 60 people today, we anticipate expanding further to over 100 people by the end of Q1 2023 and are on track to execute our vision of providing the first truly global point-to-point low latency connectivity network.” Meister added, “Initial customers are showing great interest, which confirms that we will occupy a much-needed niche. This is the German NewSpace company to watch!”
Likewise, Rivada Space Networks Founder Declan Ganley noted his excitement as the company reached the milestone. According to him, “this is a unique satellite network in terms of security, speed, and global reach.” He added, “our constellation, in combination with our patented Open Access Wireless Market Platform allows us to offer a network with unprecedented flexibility. It will be instrumental in driving the next leg of the ongoing communications revolution. Having recently joined the ITU Partner2Connect digital inclusion initiative and the EU’s multi-stakeholder Secure Connectivity Program, we are committed to providing a secure communications infrastructure like no other for Government and Enterprise.”
