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The CORTIS project (Camera Observatory & Radiation Test in Space), developed by the UVigo SpaceLab team, has reached a new milestone with its integration into OSSIE, the orbital transfer vehicle designed and manufactured by UARX Space. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the Galician space ecosystem, combining university-driven innovation with industrial and technological capabilities.
From the outset of the project, UARX Space has played a key role as a strategic partner, providing expert technical advice, validation infrastructure, and support throughout the entire integration process. This partnership has enabled CORTIS to meet the strict standards required for spaceflight, successfully passing vibration tests carried out at UARX's facilities in Nigrán (Pontevedra).
The primary objective of CORTIS is to evaluate and compare the performance of commercial radiation sensors against technologies developed in-house by UVigo SpaceLab, as well as to validate a flight heritage camera that will be used in the upcoming BIXO mission. This dual functionality makes CORTIS a key experimental platform for advancing the development of robust, locally designed space systems. OSSIE, the vehicle that will host CORTIS in orbit, is a project entirely developed by the UARX Space team. It is the first orbital transfer vehicle developed entirely in Spain, and one of only six such vehicles worldwide.
Its launch is scheduled for 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, alongside other international payloads. This project highlights the benefits of collaboration between academia and industry in the space sector, underscoring Galicia's position as a leader in aerospace innovation.
The collaboration between UVigo SpaceLab and UARX Space reflects a strong commitment to technological development, talent training, and the international projection of high-value-added space solutions.
About UVigo SpaceLab
We are a multidisciplinary team of students from the University of Vigo dedicated to designing, building, and operating small satellites. We provide students from the Vigo and Ourense campuses with hands-on experience in the aerospace field, developing space missions from scratch through to launch and post-launch operations. We are currently working on our first mission with launch prospects: BIXO (Bacteriological Intercommunication eXperiment in orbit), which will place a bacterial culture in orbit to study how prolonged exposure to the space environment affects it. Our advisors, Dr. Fernando Aguado and Dr. Fermín Navarro, have extensive experience in the sector, having worked on multiple European Space Agency (ESA) missions. We also receive support from other research groups, faculty members, and the ESA itself through the Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster program. We have been selected to participate in the ESA Academy: Concurrent Engineering Workshop with our Open Little Luminary Observatory (OLLO) project. Additionally, we have received regional and international awards in the Copernicus and Galileo Masters competitions.
About UARX
UARX Space is a European leader in space transportation, specializing in shared and dedicated launch services for PocketQubes, CubeSats, and small satellites. From Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions to geostationary and deep space operations, we provide reliable satellite deployment solutions that ensure mission success. With deep expertise in geostationary satellite technology and a strong commitment to innovation, UARX Space develops cutting-edge, flight-proven products with Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL9). As recognized pioneers in the global space tech landscape, we offer solutions that place us at the forefront of a rapidly evolving space industry. Beyond launch services, UARX Space offers high-performance satellite separation systems for payloads ranging from 250 grams to 600 kilograms, ensuring smooth and precise deployment tailored to various mission needs. Our interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in spacecraft design, thermal and structural analysis, software development, and deep space payload integration. From 1 kg CubeSats to 3500 kg satellites, we offer end-to-end services, including systems engineering, integration, testing, and operations. Headquartered in Nigrán, Galicia, Spain, UARX Space is strategically positioned to serve clients worldwide, driving the future of space exploration and transportation with innovative and reliable solutions.
