An RBC Signals ground station antenna. Photo Credit: RBC Signals

RBC Signals, a multi-national company offering space communication services, and the Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency (EXA) came to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration on an Optical Communication System for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Lunar/Deep Space programs, including the Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program (CELP). The collaboration was announced today in a joint press conference at the International Astronautics Conference (IAC), held in Bremen, Germany.

The Colombo-Ecuadorian Lunar Program will be a key program focus for the combined effort. A joint venture between the Colombian Space Agency and the EXA, both civilian non-governmental agencies, the CELP is an exploration and technology demonstration program whose objectives are to develop and test indigenous technologies as a means to contributing to the human space exploration effort of all humankind.

As part of the MOU, EXA and RBC Signals will also collaborate with the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program, a non-profit organization providing key education opportunities for students. EXA holds a 12-year contract for space and laser technology provision for the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program.