INFANTE
Satélite para aplicações marítimas e comunicações a partir de constelações
NFANTE is a development and demonstration project for an in-orbit microsatellite, to be launched in 2020. This is the precursor of a constellation for Earth observation and communication with the focus on maritime applications.
INFANTE will be the first satellite developed by the Portuguese Industry, articulated in a national consortium led by TEKEVER group, that includes 9 companies with references in the space sector, as Active Space Technologies, Omnidea, Active Aerogels, GMV, HPS and Spinworks; and 10 internationally recognized R&D Centers in their areas of competence, such as CEIIA; FEUP, ISQ, FCT-UNL, INL, IPN, IPTomar, ISR Lisbon, IT Aveiro, and UBI.
Based on the opportunities created by New Space and the capacity building induced by the Portuguese participation in the space sector over the last 20 years, INFANTE Project will establish the basis for the new business line associated to the sector, based on new products, services, and processes, contributing to strengthen Portugal´s position in the International Space framework.
The INFANTE space segment includes a modular and low-cost microsatellite, equipped with a software-defined radio with air and maritime surveillance functions; propulsion system for orbit maintenance; solar panels and their mechanism; and cargo bay with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and multispectral camera, together with scientific and technological validation.
In the Soil Segment, the INFANTE Project includes the development of a new system for rapid assembly, integration and prompt testing, adapted to small satellites and frequent launches; and a data hub to aggregate, process and disseminate information.
The Consortium is joined by satellite data users to support the demonstration of the INFANTE results, such as the National Maritime Authority, IPMA and INIAV; other national companies; and International Organizations, such as the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Federal Fluminense Institute of Brazil and the French CLS.
The INFANTE Project will run from 2017 to 2020 and has an investment of 9.2M€, executed by a team of 150 researchers, engineers and technicians, of whom 40 are PhDs. This project is cofounded by Structural Funds in the framework of the Mobilization Programs – Incentive System for Research and Technological Development – of Portugal2020 Program.
Total Eligible Budget
9,170,960.93 €
INL Eligible Budget
436,192.81 €
Total Funding
6,139,801.47 €
INL Funding
327,144.61 €
Start Date
01-11-2017
End Date
31-10-2021
Type of action
SI – Programas Mobilizadores
Grant Agreement Id
LISBOA-01-0247-FEDER-024534
Funding Agency
COMPETE2020; LISBOA2020;
Programme
POCI – PROGRAMA OPERACIONAL COMPETITIVIDADE E INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO
Funding Framework
PORTUGAL 2020
INL Role
Partner
Approval Date
15-03-2017
Intervention Region