The most successful way for expert payload users to get their mission into operation

Small Satellites are a critical enabling technology for scientific advancement and businesses operating in the growing New Space industry. Although, New Space is entering a period of fragmentation and adaptation, whereby space technology users are unable to fully achieve their mission objectives without themselves becoming satellite bus designers, developers and manufacturers.

Third Planet Orbital develops reliable building blocks for space technology users deliberately focusing on the robustness and trustworthiness of its products. Diverging from convention whereby satellites are always customised, Third Planet Orbital standardises to provide off-the-shelf Ready-To-Go solutions. Commercially supplying standardised satellite buses that are understood, tested and verified, to reduce lead times and user mission risk. Additionally, providing users access to hardware (FlatSat Rental) and knowledge (Space Engineering Services) throughout their design process enables lower overall build costs combined with increased operational confidence.

Routes to Space

Third Planet Orbital has been established in the United Kingdom to address needs apparent in the global Space industry. With a culture of being reliable, trustworthy, and consistent, Third Planet Orbital provides standardised satellite buses. Assisting space technology users with specifying satellite buses robustly, and optimising payload/mission designs with Hardware-In-the-Loop testing.

Services

Space Engineering Services

Collaborating to derive Technical Requirement Specifications based on mission goals, enabling confident, efficient and successful projects.

FlatSat

FlatSat

FlatSat access to "Try-Before-You-Buy" enabling economical Hardware-In-the-Loop design, development and testing to promote informed procurement.

Satellite Bus

Satellite Bus

Supply of Ready-To-Go standardised small satellites buses that use flight and test proven architecture, ready to integrate payloads with confidence.

Latest Update

August 2023

Summer Outreach

Upcoming events

As the UK school summer holidays draw to a close, Third Planet Orbital supported the National Space Centre in Leicester City Centre with a 'drop-in' outreach session. Engaging young and old with a show and tell table full of space hardware and a pico-satellite that can be held in the hand!

September 2023

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

6 Sept: TPO will be doing a 2 minute pitch to those at this month's Cosmic Coffee at the Space Park Leicester.

28/29 Sept: International Conference on "Space Security and Safety Dimensions" organised by the Centre for European Law and Internationalisation, Research Group on Space Law and Policy and held at Space Park Leicester.

About

Space City Leicester Location

Third Planet Orbital (TPO) has been established in the UK to address needs apparent in the global Space industry. The business directly addresses what the UK government has identified as being of strategic importance, and contributes to regional development and socio-economic benefits (especially high tech employment and retention).