Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Bright Ascension’s software supports Czech Republic’s TROLL satellite

Defence Space

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.”

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

Defence Events

Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

19 May 2026

At the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough today, Navantia UK unveiled its large autonomous surface vessel - LASV75 - as an example of the hi-tech capabilities of its four yards, which are undergoing large-scale modernisation.

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

Defence

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

19 May 2026

QinetiQ has been awarded a contract from the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group to put the British Army’s newly contracted Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) next generation artillery system through rigorous tests to ensure it is safe to use on operations.

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner