Poland’s RAVEN spacecraft moves to next development stage

Poland’s first spacecraft designed to service satellites, RAVEN, has entered its next phase of development, the project's leaders announced on Monday.

The initiative, led by PIAP Space, has entered phase B1, focusing on finalising the spacecraft’s design and planning its first demonstration mission.

RAVEN – short for Rendez-Vous and Proximity Vehicle for Enabling Multi-Mission – is intended to perform close-up manoeuvres with satellites, transport them, and carry out maintenance tasks in orbit.

Its first demonstration mission is planned for 2029.

The project's developers hope RAVEN will strengthen Poland’s role in the European space sector and help build domestic expertise in autonomous satellite servicing.

"This is a huge achievement for PIAP Space and at the same time a clear direction for the company’s development," said Anna Nikodym-Bilska of PIAP Space.

"Since ESA has recognised our capabilities in this area, I am confident that in the next steps we will be able to compete effectively with Europe’s leading players, delivering technologies that genuinely strengthen the security and sovereignty of European orbital infrastructure," she added

The RAVEN consortium includes PIAP Space, Creotech Instruments, Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, the Military University of Technology, AROBS Polska, GMV Polska, Space Avengers, and Zaitra.

The project is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), and Poland’s Ministries of Development and Defence.

(ał)

Source: PAP