“STEPHANIK is primarily an ecosystem,” says Michal. The satellite itself is just one part of it. It’s already exceptional in its parameters – it will weigh approximately 150 kg and its size and construction will surpass everything that Slovakia or the Czech Republic has sent into space so far.
Unlike smaller cubesats, which often operate on common available components and their lifespan in space is more or less a lottery, STEPHANIK uses special components designed for the space environment and strict European ECSS standards.
Yes, it’s more challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. But this is what opens the way for Slovak companies and engineers to collaborate on large projects with European and global partners.
Why Modular?
You might imagine LEGO when you hear the term “modular satellite,” but the reality is a bit different. In this case, modularity means that the satellite will be designed as a platform that reliably handles all basic functions – energy production, navigation, communication, or thermal management.
And the main thing? Inside, it will have space for a customer module. It could be a camera for imaging Earth, a scientific instrument for measuring physical quantities, or any other tool according to mission needs. “We don’t have to develop a satellite from scratch for every project – the customer provides the application module and we integrate it,” explains Michal.
Industry Experience = Advantage in Space
Bizzcom has years of experience with projects in various industries – from food processing through cryogenics to oil&gas. At first glance, these are distant areas, but in reality, they have a lot in common. “When you enter a new industry, you only need to learn the differences and specifics,” says Michal.
And space is exactly the kind of challenge that Slovak industry needs. If it wants to move from lower value-added sectors to segments where innovation is created, the space industry is the way to go.
Why Can Smaller Companies Go to Space Today?
Space used to be the privilege of states and national agencies. Today it’s different – the cost of launching one kilogram into orbit has decreased over the last ten years tenfold. This has opened doors for private companies that are no longer dependent only on state orders.
Another factor is geopolitics and pressure on Europe to catch up with technology leaders in the USA and China. That’s why more money is now being directed into microelectronics, AI, biotechnologies, and space technologies. The result? The market is growing and creating space for smaller, innovative companies from Slovakia as well.
Do We Have Enough People in Slovakia for Space Projects?
Short answer: not yet. But the STEPHANIK project can change that. Companies and academic institutions that haven’t worked on space tasks before have joined the consortium, and it’s through this project that they will gain practical experience.
“A big advantage is that we also collaborate with foreign partners who are more experienced in this field. And since the project is funded by European money and doesn’t have a commercial customer, we can afford beginner mistakes. It’s up to us how quickly we learn from them,” adds Michal.
What Would Help more Companies Become Interested in Space?
According to Michal, three things are key:
- Full membership of Slovakia in ESA
- Long-term strategy of investments in innovation, not just random projects funded by grants
- Support for higher education that will prepare more young engineers for new industries
15 Years of Experience, a New Look into the Future
The company Bizzcom was founded in 2007 and over 15 years has worked its way up from providing services for industry to developing custom automated machines and devices. Today, it’s moving even further – towards space technologies.
Their vision is clear: to be a technology leader. And the STEPHANIK satellite is proof that Slovakia has what it takes.
If you’re interested in the world of space technologies, you can also meet Michal Kadlec in person at INOFEST. He will be part of a block titled “From Vision to Reality: Building the Space Industry in Slovakia and the V4 Region”. Discussions in this block will provide insight into Slovak and regional projects – from space technologies from VZLU AEROSPACE, through start-up financing, to the STEPHANIK project itself. Project partners will also join the discussion SPACE FOR V4, which was created with the support of the Visegrad Fund.
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: INOVATO, BIZZCOM
