Warwickshire software designer sees work chosen for new space op
A WARWICKSHIRE IT firm is set to enter orbit after an app developed by one of its designers was selected for use on-board a new satellite.
A data warehouse designed by the Black Pepper Software operative has been chosen by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd for use on the STRaND-1 project, which will see a smartphone-powered satellite leave the atmosphere.
As a member of the not-for-profit organisation AMSAT-UK, the designer has been developing software for amateur satellites for more than 20 years.
AMSAT-UK, which is run entirely on donations, has provided funding, software, hardware and project management for more than 10 satellites over the past 35 years including SSETI Express, P3E, ARISSat, the Columbus module on the ISS and also the GENSO Ground station network.
The app was chosen from a number of entries to the ‘Space App Competition’, which was launched by SSTL in preparation for the STRaND-1 NanoSatellite mission.
Based on the work carried out by the FUNcube team – another AMSAT-UK project – the space app will collect measurements and data from within STRaND-1 and display it graphically on the Google smartphone attached to the satellite. The display is observed by an on-board camera and the images are transmitted to earth on amateur radio frequencies so people on the ground can monitor the progress of the project.
As one of only four winners to have their work feature on STRaND-1, Leamington Spa-based Black Pepper Software said it was delighted its work had been recognised.
Adam Wright, head of solutions for the firm, said: “We always support our developers in their extra-curricular activities, and the fact that our ‘rocket scientist’ is using his talents to get smartphone apps to orbit the planet in his spare time gives me a huge sense of pride. We wish him and the rest of the STRaND-1 team all the best as we countdown to take-off.”
STRaND-1 system engineer Shaun Kenyon said: “After some tough judging, we’ve chosen the four winning apps and are really excited about what they will do in space. The apps make full use of the phone, meaning that we’ll see some pretty cool stuff that hasn’t been done before”.
Back on Earth, Black Pepper has recently developed the first ever location-based business network app, known as Companion, to help visitors find their way round exhibitions, events and shopping centres.
