RBC Signals and Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA) Announce Collaboration For Optical Communication System

NewsOctober 4, 2018

MOU Marks RBC Signals’ Entrance into Optical Space Communications for Low Earth Orbit and Lunar/Deep Space Programs Including the Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program

Seattle, WA (October 4, 2018) –RBC Signals, a multi-national company enabling flexible and cost-effective space communication services, and the Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties for collaboration on an Optical Communication System for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Lunar/Deep Space programs, including the Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program (CELP). The collaboration was announced today in a joint press conference at the International Astronautics Conference (IAC), held in Bremen, Germany.

“RBC Signals is excited to be working with EXA for the development of laser optical communication systems,” said Christopher Richins, CEO of RBC Signals. “Not only are EXA’s space missions and technology groundbreaking, but optical communication capabilities are a strategic component of our own service offering, as more customers look for alternatives to traditional RF communication technologies, especially for deep space missions.”

The Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program will be a key program focus for the combined effort. A joint venture between the Colombian Space Agency and the Ecuadorian Space Agency, both civilian non-governmental agencies, the CELP is an exploration and technology demonstration program whose objectives are to develop and test indigenous technologies as a means to contributing to the human space exploration effort of all humankind.

“This partnership between EXA and RBC Signals for the further development of our laser and related technologies within the Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program illustrates the friendship and cooperation that has always existed between our people,” said Cdr. Ronnie Nader, EXA Astronaut and Space Operation Division Director. “RBC Signals‘ capabilities and reach are an  ideal match for the development of communications technologies for missions which, due to extreme distance, require global coverage.”

As part of the MOU, EXA and RBC Signals will also collaborate with Irvine CubeSat STEM Program, a non-profit organization providing key education opportunities for students. EXA holds a 12-year contract for space and laser technology provision for the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program.

Christopher Richins of RBC Signals and Cdr. Ronnie Nader of EXA led the press conference this morning at IAC.

About RBC Signals

RBC Signals is a global space communications provider serving satellite operators with an improved model for the delivery and processing of data from spacecraft in orbit. The company’s worldwide communication network includes both company-owned and partner-owned antennas, capitalizing on the sharing economy model, for best-in-class services offering affordability, flexibility and low latency. Visit RBC Signals at www.RBCSignals.com.

About Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA)

The Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency was founded in 2007. EXA has been a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) since 2008, holds one permanent seat in the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and holds the Chair of the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Group of the IAF. EXA launched its first two Ecuadorian satellites, built entirely with its own technology, into orbit in 2013. EXA also built and flew the first Parabolic flight plane of the region in 2008, holds the Guinness Microgravity world record (for a decade) and has participated in five additional international satellite missions. With its own space technology development and testing facilities, as well as its own ground station, EXA is the only institution in the region that exports its indigenous space technology to the United States, the European Union and Asian markets. EXA is also includes the only officially-trained astronaut in the region, with active duty status.

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