ASTRO develops ODRADEK, a new class of satellite system that enables simultaneous multi-angle EO in a compact, flexible, and cost-effective way. ODRADEK is composed of two 12U CubeSats, mechanically connected by a deployable tether of up to 200 meters. This tether acts as both a structural and communication link, maintaining a controlled relative geometry and ensuring synchronized data acquisition between the two satellites. The system effectively combines the accuracy of rigid structures with the scalability of distributed architectures, without their typical mechanical or operational complexity.
The ODRADEK platform is equipped with a specifically designed active control system that maintains tension and stability along the tether during flight, allowing for long-duration operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Each satellite can host different payloads, radar, optical, or infrared, making the platform extremely versatile and suitable for a wide range of EO missions. The tether enables not only mechanical stability but also a low-latency data channel between the two spacecraft, providing true simultaneity in data acquisition — a key advantage for interferometric and stereoscopic applications.
Through this solution, ASTRO provides a unique technological and operational value:
• High-quality and coherent data – precise formation geometry ensures consistent multi-angle observations with minimal temporal delay;
• Faster acquisition and delivery – simultaneous and single-pass multi-angle imaging drastically shortens acquisition times and enables rapid data distribution to end-users;
• Reduced cost and complexity – the tethered configuration allows mission requirements for propulsion, navigation, and synchronization to be met with simpler onboard systems, dramatically cutting overall costs;
• Operational flexibility – reconfigurable tether length and orientation allow adaptation to diverse applications and mission profiles;
• Innovative EO data capabilities – by significantly enhancing the accuracy of established EO techniques (radar and optical interferometry, stereoscopy), the system unlocks their strategic use in applications such as moving-target detection and high-resolution optical imaging.
ODRADEK thus represents a paradigm shift in satellite-based EO. It bridges the gap between single-satellite and formation-flying systems, offering a coherent, synchronized, and economically sustainable solution. Its compact architecture enables institutions, research centers, and commercial operators to access new classes of high-value EO data, unlocking applications that were technically or financially unfeasible with current solutions.
