We Make Optics Smarter

Mission 2.0 - First In-Orbit Demonstration

SmartIR has officially launched its first satellite into space aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission, carried by the Falcon 9 rocket. This mission represents a pivotal step in addressing a critical challenge in the space industry: the need for lightweight, energy-efficient, and scalable thermal management solutions. In Low Earth Orbit (LEO), many satellites rely on heaters to maintain operational temperatures, increasing power demands. In contrast, long-duration missions often depend on bulky, mechanical systems like thermal louvres. SmartIR's graphene-based smart radiator introduces a paradigm shift—offering a flexible, lightweight, and dynamic system capable of intelligently managing heat in space. Our technology allows satellites to turn off heat from surfaces while in Earth's shadow, and to reflect the sunlight on the sun-facing side during exposure, greatly enhancing energy efficiency. The radiator has been integrated into a pico-satellite manufactured by Hydra Space, with Alba Orbital overseeing integration and mission operations. Deployed into LEO, the satellite will test the radiator's performance under real orbital conditions, assessing its survivability during launch, thermal control capability, and operational efficiency in duty cycles representative of future satellite missions. This mission is not only a technical milestone but a bold step toward transforming how spacecraft manage heat in the harsh environment of space.