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The jury of the World Space Week Association has presented the Zurich-based company Sirin Orbital Systems with the Leading Innovation in Space Award 2024. The association focuses its activities on the World Space Week proclaimed by the United Nations, which is celebrated annually from October 4 to 10. This year, under the title Space & Climate Change, it was looking for companies that represent the "crucial role" of the space industry in combating climate change.

"Sirin Orbital Systems' work in the field of space-based solar power (SBSP), sustainable propulsion systems and on-orbit servicing is an important contribution of space technology to a greener future," said the World Space Week Association in a statement about the jury's decision. According to Sirin Orbital Systems , the innovations from more than 100 companies from all over the world were assessed on the basis of six criteria: Novelty of technology, cross-sector innovation, scalability, global impact, collaborative partnerships and sustainability with a long-term vision.

The company feels "truly honored" that its technologies were ultimately chosen. After all, the final list of 25 nominees included such major companies as Airbus, Arianespace, Thales Alenia Space and Mitsubishi Corporation. However, Sirin Orbital Systems' potential to "revolutionize global energy systems and its focus on sustainability make it the strongest among the candidates," Sirin quotes the jury. ce/mm

(CONNECT) The Zurich-based space technology company Sirin Orbital Systems, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Space Robotics Lab at the University of Málaga (UMA) have launched a co-funded research agreement, as was reported in a statement. Their joint project entitled End-to-End Control for Handling Operations in Orbit (ECHO2) will – for an initial duration of two years – explore a vision-driven pipeline that enables orbital robotic systems to autonomously inspect, diagnose and repair large space structures without relying on visual markers, standardized interfaces or continuous human intervention.

The statement explains that “as space infrastructure expands, autonomous solutions are essential for reducing reliance on risky and costly astronaut extravehicular activities”. To validate this technology, the research team is conducting tests on the ESA’s free-floating test platforms.

Sirin Orbital Systems was founded in 2019 by Dr Matteo Madi. The company’s core product is a green, scalable, safe and reliable chemical micro-propulsion system for satellite constellations. It is designed to enhance the constellation’s agile maneuverability in orbit and enable rapid changes in orbital plane to avoid collisions with space debris, for example. “The market potential is colossal as this technology aims at autonomous deployment, inspection and maintenance of large-scale in-orbit infrastructures such as extended solar panels, heat dissipaters and radiators of In-Orbit Data Centres – such as those under development by Starcloud – The Future of AI among others", says Madi. Sirin Orbit Systems is reportedly already in contact with key players from Japan, the USA, the Middle East and Switzerland.

The Greater Zurich Area, the regional investment promotion agency, ranks the company among the region’s 100+ key players in robotics and autonomous systems for 2026. In 2024, Sirin Orbit Systems was announced as the winner of the Leading Innovation in Space Award at World Space Week, selected from among 100 companies nominated from around the world. ce/mm