A MANUFACTURER is working to develop the world’s first commercially available laser-based space satellite system.

ISOCOM Limited, based at Peterlee, has teamed up with Northumbria University to create the technology via the National Space Innovation Programme

The firm is a leader in the the design, manufacture, and testing of high-quality optoelectronic and microelectronic components for the space, defence and aerospace industries.

It specialises in developing radiation-hard and hi-reliability products which can withstand vibration, shock, extreme temperatures, and radiation environments such as the CSM100, Europe’s very first 4-Pin hermetically sealed ceramic optocoupler device.

ISOCOM components have been selected for space applications such as the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 satellite mission, ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover mission and NASA’s infrared Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

The PROBA-3 Mission is the third satellite mission in ESA’s series of PROBA Satellites in ESA’s General Support Technology Program.

These satellite missions are designed to make new advances in spacecraft technology and enter unexplored areas of our solar system.

Following the successful landing of the Perseverance Rover on Mars, the European Space Agency will send the Rosalind Franklin Rover as part of the 2022 mission of the ExoMars programme that will also deliver a Russian surface platform to Mars.

This rover will be the first mission to combine the capability to move across the surface and to study Mars at depth.

NASA’s infrared Roman Telescope, planned to launch in the mid-2020s, will investigate the force behind the universe’s expansion and search for distant planets beyond our solar system.

Since 2014, ISOCOM has been supported by Business Durham through the North-East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, based at NETPark in Sedgefield, which has provided funding, advice, networking and opportunities to attend events.

Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council, has led the North-East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence since April 2014, engaging with over 670 organisations, establishing links between 277 business and universities, and helping companies secure £9.2M worth of funding.

Thomas Bayat, chief executive and managing director of ISOCOM, said: “It’s a really exciting time to be working in the space and satellite sector, and we’re looking forward to working with Northumbria University on this UK Space Agency funded project to develop a laser-based satellite communication system.”

Sarah Slaven, interim managing director of business Durham, added: "We're delighted to see ISOCOM working with some of the world's leading space agencies. It reflects the growing number of companies, specialist knowledge and skills in the space sector in the region.

"The company has been involved with the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence for years and it’s great to see them creating new jobs and collaborating with companies.”