Argotec, a leading company in the space sector, has developed a new and revolutionary technology: the Power Suite Curie, a miniaturized power conditioning and distribution unit (PCDU), destined to be the electrical heart of satellites that will explore inaccessible areas of the Universe. The Curie electrical heart is designed to operate in extreme environments, such as deep space, where intense solar radiation and challenging operating conditions pose unique challenges.
A resilient heart for Deep Space
The Power Suite Curie is a concentration of technological innovation, distinguished by its ability to withstand cosmic radiation, powering satellites on long-range missions. This unit is designed to power miniaturized devices on board satellites, with unprecedented efficiency and very high operational longevity. The miniaturization allows Curie to be used in deep space missions, such as the HENON mission, which will launch towards the Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) between Earth and the Sun in 2026.
Curie is the central component of the HENON mission, an ambitious project funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). HENON will be the first satellite to explore the DRO orbit, over 24 million kilometers from Earth. The satellite, powered by the Power Suite Curie, will be fundamental for studying “space weather” and its effects on Earth, monitoring solar radiation and collecting crucial data for understanding solar dynamics and their impacts on our daily lives.
The impact of Curie on future space missions
The innovative design and exceptional performance of Curie will mark a new era in space exploration. Not only will it ensure the power supply for satellites in missions like HENON, but by enabling deep space missions, it will also allow the creation of more robust satellite constellations capable of facing future challenges. The technological advancement of Curie represents a significant step forward for the global space industry, increasing the competitiveness of technological solutions and enabling pioneering exploratory missions.
Argotec, based in Turin, has built a solid reputation in the field of space technology thanks to missions like VOLTA, the PCDU created for the LICIACube and ArgoMoon programs. With Curie, Argotec is about to surpass its own records, expanding its leadership in deep space missions. The company is the only one in the world to have two operational satellites simultaneously in deep space, with the farthest Italian object ever sent into space, 14 million kilometers from Earth.
A paradigm shift for the space industry
David Avino, CEO of Argotec, commented: “Curie represents a paradigm shift for the Italian and international space industry. With this technology, we will enable new-generation robotic exploration missions, pushing scientific research beyond current boundaries. Deep Space is our future, and with the help of ESA and ASI, we are ready to face this new challenge.”
The Power Suite Curie is destined to become a milestone for space exploration, paving the way for new missions in deep space and contributing to improving our understanding of space and its dynamics. The HENON mission is just the beginning of a journey that will take space technology to new levels, revolutionizing the way we explore the Universe.
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