The development of the AMBIC satellite, which will capture Earth observation imagery for Czech state users, and the development of a universal platform suitable for future satellite missions are the main objectives of the contract signed by representatives of VZLU AEROSPACE and the European Space Agency (ESA). In the future, the AMBIC satellite may help, among other things, manage fires and floods and monitor road and railway conditions.
AMBIC should be able to capture up to 400 images per day, in both black-and-white and color formats, at a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 1.2 meters, meaning that each image pixel corresponds to an area of 1.2×1.2 m. This resolution should enable the identification of objects the size of a car. The satellite should weigh approximately 140 kilograms and measure 70 x 70 x 100 centimeters. AMBIC is scheduled to be ready for launch in 2030. The specific launch date will be determined as the project progresses. It will operate in low Earth orbit at altitudes up to 550 kilometers.
The project is led by VZLU AEROSPACE, where the AMBIC satellite will also be integrated. VZLU AEROSPACE will also ensure its operation. Collaborating on the project are OHB Czechspace, ESC Aerospace, and World from Space as main subcontractors and many other providers from the Czech Republic; less than 25 % value of the satellite will be procured from abroad.
“The AMBIC satellite will provide Czech state users with independent access to satellite imagery, reducing reliance on commercial providers or foreign powers. In the future, this data may support emergency response systems in managing fires, floods, and tornadoes, as well as assist in monitoring transport corridors,” explains Josef Kašpar, CEO of VZLU AEROSPACE. He adds that the potential uses are even broader, including the monitoring of protected areas and landfills.
“ESA welcomes the contracting of the first Czech Ambitious Mission and is honoured by the confidence shown by the Czech government in entrusting ESA with its implementation. This milestone marks the most significant investment in Czech space activities so far and will contribute substantially to the development of national expertise and industrial capabilities. As more Czech companies join the consortium and partners from neighbouring countries engage in the next phase, the mission will further strengthen both the Czech space ecosystem and regional cooperation,” said Christine Klein, Head of the Industrial Policy and Audit Department of ESA.
The AMBIC satellite project was selected in the “Czech Ambitious Missions” call. „„This ambitious satellite project aims to demonstrate the Czech industry’s ability to collaborate effectively together, pool our existing space expertise and capabilities, and develop larger high-tech products. The result will be a small Czech satellite weighing over 100 kg, which will be essential for fulfilling the Czech Republic’s even greater satellite ambitions for both government and commercial customers. The Czech Republic is unique in the world in that our industry is capable of manufacturing cars, trains, or aircrafts. Manufacturing our own satellites is therefore the logical next step for the further development of our future economy based on high-value-added activities,“ said Václav Kobera, Director of New Technologies and Space Agency of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Head of Delegation of the Czech Republic to ESA.
The AMBIC mission follows on from previous VZLU AEROSPACE projects, such as SATurnin-1, VZLUSAT-2, VZLUSAT-1, and the VZLUGEM satellite constellation.
