Long Endurance Medium Altitude Platform
There isn't presently in the market a long endurance (i.e.: permanent) and relatively stationary high altitude platform for payloads of Earth observation or telecommunications, the latest ranging from satellite repeaters at high altitudes to providing a lower cost and easily deployable mobile network infrastructure with increased line of sight range. The concept by which Omnidea achieves this objective is by tethering an inflatable and easily deployable platform, thus keeping the payload airborne by having this platform mildly lighter-than-air with the ability to generate by Magnus effect an order of magnitude higher aerodynamic lift force (when compared to buoyancy) in order to withstand the drag imposed by wind. Additionally being tethered power to the airborne subsystems can be permanently fed from the ground minimizing the need to land.
Applications:
Who We Are
Our research team, with varied engineering backgrounds, handles the complex problems arising from the experience with aerospace technology and energy systems, while simultaneously providing solutions to the challenges involved in any R&D activity. We are a group of engineers, actively engaged in the pursuit for “next generation” energy conversion systems. Reaching this goal requires extensive work in the development of airborne structures, knowledge of unconventional means of propulsion and a throughout understanding of energy transfer forms.
History
Founded in August 2003, OMNIDEA is a Portuguese small to medium enterprise (SME) incubated in the European Space Agency (ESA. After an initial period in the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) of ESA in Noordwijk (The Netherlands), Omnidea evolved into an independent company and, even though its ties to ESA remain as strong as ever, it has definitely achieved critical dimension. Amongst the highlights of its brief history we emphasize the victory achieved, with the ENERGON project, in the “New Venture Business Plan” competition held in the Netherlands in 2004, but also the portfolio of submitted patents that grant Omnidea a comfortable starting position into its technology oriented future.
Partnership & Network
Proespaço
Omnidea is a recent associate of PROESPAÇO, the Portuguese Association of Space Industries. Being a non profitable organization, interested in the promotion of space related activities in Portugal, PROESPAÇO works at governmental level, significantly broadening OMNIDEA's horizons into space-related activities. http://www.proespaco.pt/
Instituto Superior Técnico
Harboring Omnidea's operational facilities, IST is the country's largest engineering faculty being part of TU Lisbon (Portugal). This partnership allows Omnidea to access unrivalled amounts of technical expertise in multiple knowledge fields, while simultaneously granting quick access to IST laboratories (Electrochemistry), workshops (Mechanical) and equipments (Materials Testing). http://tecnico.ulisboa.pt/
European Space Agency
The European equivalent of NASA, a key player in all European aerospace related activities, ESA remains our most significant partner and customer, both in active R&D, bur also in future opportunities for R&D related joint ventures. http://www.esa.int
MCG
MCG mind for metal has been involved in the metallic component industry for 60 years. http://www.mcg.pt/pt
LNEG
LNEG is an Portuguese R&D institution oriented to respond to the needs of society and enterprises. Betting on a sustainable research and for sustainability through the generation of knowledge of our territory. http://www.lneg.pt/
OHB - Systems
OHB System is a German company that develops and manufactures space systems. A key product of the company is fully integrated satellites. https://www.ohb-system.de/
Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space has more than 40 years of experience in the design, integration, testing, operation and commissioning of innovative space systems. Featuring cutting-edge technologies, these systems meet the needs of commercial, government, scientific, defense and security customers from around the world. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/thales-alenia-spa
National Space Organization (NSPO)
The National Space Organization (NSPO, formerly known as the National Space Program Office) is the civilian space agency of Taiwan under the auspices of the Executive Yuan's National Science Council. http://www.nspo.org.tw/en/
National Co-Financing Programs
