Company
Vimotek joins ESA BIC Sweden
Through ESA BIC Sweden, Vimotek will receive technical and business support as it develops its first space products for close-proximity operations in orbit.
Vimotek has joined ESA Business Incubation Centre Sweden, beginning an incubation programme focused on developing technology for spacecraft and robotic systems operating in close proximity to other objects.
The incubation agreement starts on 5 May 2022 and is managed through ESA BIC Sweden and Arctic Business Incubator in Luleå.
Vimotek — short for Vision and Motion Technologies for Space — is developing machine-vision and motion-control technology for future space applications.
The company’s focus includes proximity navigation, situational awareness, docking, inspection and vision-guided robotics for small satellites, nanosatellites and other space systems.
Technology for close-proximity operations
Vimotek’s development plan within ESA BIC Sweden centres on products for close-proximity operations in orbit.
The first area of work is an onboard vision system for spacecraft navigation and inspection. Development activities include system design, simulation, breadboarding, testing and work to define mission use cases and requirements.
Vimotek is also developing LiDAR technology for proximity navigation, with the aim of combining imaging and ranging information for spacecraft operating around other objects.
These technologies are intended for applications including rendezvous, inspection, docking and robotic operations, where spacecraft need reliable information about their surroundings and relative position.
Building on vision and motion technology
Vimotek is bringing experience from machine vision, imaging, electronics and motion control into the space sector.
The company’s first development work is focused on adapting these technologies to the requirements of spacecraft and robotic systems, with onboard sensing and processing designed for proximity operations.
The initial product roadmap includes camera-based systems for navigation and inspection, LiDAR development and related technologies for future spacecraft automation.
Developing from Luleå
Vimotek will manage its development from Luleå, with access to the local space and robotics ecosystem and opportunities to work with Luleå University of Technology and regional test and laboratory infrastructure.
Through ESA BIC Sweden, the company will also receive technical expertise, business coaching and support related to intellectual property and commercial development.
The incubation will support Vimotek as it develops its first space products, builds partnerships and prepares technologies for future demonstrations and missions.
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