In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD)
The In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) Programme offers partners a fast-track, low-cost opportunity to test their service or technology on a CubeSat mission launched into low Earth orbit.
IOD helps accelerate to ‘proof of concept’ stage by providing an affordable in-orbit testbed and a range of operational and business support services to exploit the commercial potential of the mission.
Image shows the Northrop Grumman Antares CRS-11 launch which carried IOD-1 GEMS, the first satellite in the IOD Programme, into orbit. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Our Missions
Missions in progress
IOD-1 GEMS
IOD-1 GEMS was launched to the International Space Station in April 2019. This mission is being carried out with Orbital Micro Systems who have expanded their operations from the United States due to the capabilities the UK has to offer. The service demonstrated by this satellite will look to improve weather observing and forecasting.
Read MoreIOD-5 TARS
IOD-5 TARS was launched on 3 September 2020. This mission is in partnership with Kepler Communications as a final prototype to their GEN1 constellation for IoT services. The mission follows on from the successful launches of their first two demonstrators, KIPP and CASE.
Read MoreIOD-3 AMBER
IOD-3 AMBER is currently going through the design phases and will be manufactured in the next few months. The mission will adapt Horizon Technologies’ existing FlyingFish™ signals intelligence (SIGINT) system for a 6U CubeSat platform.
Read MoreOpen for Applications
IOD-6
The Catapult invites applications from potential collaborators who have identified new opportunities for commercial satellite services that can be delivered through a dedicated small satellite mission and that take advantage of a 6U CubeSat bus.
Apply hereThe Programme
How could you benefit?
The Offer
For each mission we offer a CubeSat platform, including integration and testing; a launch opportunity; and business and operational support.
Our Support
We can help you with many areas of preparing for and delivering the mission, including building a business case and defining the mission; finding a technology or service partner; delivering mission operations; access to data processing facilities to test service prototypes; and developing commercial potential of the service or technology.
Who Can Apply
The IOD Programme is open to any organisation or consortium who can clearly demonstrate the commercial potential of a service and a route to market. We are happy to provide support with applications to ensure you are as ready as possible for the process before applying, so if you are unsure on any areas please get in touch with us.
Contact UsApplications
If you would like to apply for one of the missions, please select the one you wish to apply for above and ensure you have read any details or supporting documents. Applications can be submitted by email and will be reviewed by the deadline given on the mission page.
Apply for the IOD programme// Get in touch
Please get in touch with us to discuss your application at any point, or to clarify any questions you have.
The IOD programme is run by the Satellite Applications Catapult as a collaborative research initiative. Each successful applicant will need to contribute according to the scope and scale of the mission. Support is available to help identify potential sources of funding.
