D-Orbit: Revolutionising space transport for the future of humanity

“Even on my 8th launch - still goosebumps. I mean, you realise that engineers can cry.”

Satellites are an essential part of keeping our modern lives running, allowing us to navigate, connect and observe the world from a phenomenal vantage point. But when a satellite is launched into space, it can take many months to get into position in order to start its mission. That was until D-Orbit changed the game.

Their satellite carrier ION optimises space operations by delivering satellites to their final destination in a matter of days, instead of months. D-Orbit is the world’s first space logistics company, and in this episode we find out how the company got started. We meet D-Orbit’s CTO Lorenzo Ferrario in the mission control centre, and hear stories of past launches when emotions run high amid the electric atmosphere.

We also hear from Brian Thompson, who heads up PTC’s CAD division. He explains how D-Orbit uses PTC’s CAD software CREO to model their bespoke satellites in a fast and efficient way.

Find out more about D-Orbit here.

Find out more about CREO here.

Your host is Paul Haimes from industrial software company PTC. 

Episodes are released bi-weekly. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.

This is an 18Sixty production for PTC. Executive producer is Jacqui Cook. Sound design and editing by Ollie Guillou. Location recording by Jonathan Zenti. Music by Rowan Bishop.