General Atomics

Bright Ascension’s software supports Czech Republic’s TROLL satellite

Bright Ascension's innovative space software technology is supporting the core functionalities and enabling future tech demos, for the Czech Republic’s largest satellite demonstration mission, TROLL.



Image courtesy Bright Ascension


The TROLL satellite, the Czech Republic’s largest and most ambitious space mission to date, launched yesterday as part of the SpaceX Transporter 12 mission. This milestone not only showcases the Czech Republic’s growing space exploration capabilities but also highlights Scotland based Bright Ascension’s role in advancing the future of space software technology.

TROLL, designed and developed by TRL Space, is a 6U CubeSat with the primary goal of demonstrating new technologies in the commercial domain while also building critical heritage for the Czech Republic’s space sector.

Equipped with advanced technologies like an on-board data processing unit and a hyperspectral imager, the spacecraft will provide critical invisible insights to a wide range of industries such as agriculture, environmental organisations and defence.

Building on the success of over 50 missions to date, Bright Ascension’s software infrastructure will play a central role in supporting the satellite’s core functionalities and enabling future technology demonstrations. As TROLL progresses through its life in orbit, it will also make full use of Bright Ascension’s mission control software and its tight integration with the flight side for straightforward and automated mission operations.

Peter Mendham (above), CEO of Bright Ascension, said: "We are proud to support the launch of the TROLL satellite, a significant milestone for both TRL Space and the Czech Republic.

"The TROLL spacecraft yet again demonstrates our commitment to transforming the New Space sector through our innovative software solutions. Over time, we would be pleased to enhance the mission with upcoming products of our HELIX suite to offer seamless integration between the operational side and the commercial service delivery.”

Related

CAA reveals participants in next round of Hydrogen Sandbox
CAA Aviation House, Crawley, Gatwick.
CAA reveals participants in next round of Hydrogen Sandbox
Three organisations have been chosen to take part in the third round of the Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge, which over the past three years has supported projects developing solutions to transform flight through the safe introduction of hydrogen to fuel manned and unmanned aircraft.
Aerospace

5 Sep 2026

Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Oita MoU signing September 2026
Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Oita Prefectural Government to explore routes, vertiport locations and future air taxi services ahead of a planned 2028 launch.
Aerospace Member News

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV modular payload cassette system
SSC MARS USV
SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV modular payload cassette system
The new payload cassette system for SubSea Craft's MARS USV is set to transforms payload integration for maritime operations.
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
HMT
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
Supacat has started production of 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia's special forces, with deliveries due to begin in 2027.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
Simon Gray
GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
GM Defence has appointed Simon Gray as Director of Business Development as it expands its UK presence and strengthens engagement with the MoD, Armed Forces and industry partners.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV modular payload cassette system
SSC MARS USV
SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV modular payload cassette system
The new payload cassette system for SubSea Craft's MARS USV is set to transforms payload integration for maritime operations.
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
eFleet
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve and the autonomy skills gap widens, BMT's maritime autonomy specialists have developed a new e-learning course to cultivate broader understanding of autonomy beyond specialist engineering teams.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.