ARTES benefits series – HummingSat, A Small Satellite with Big Ambitions • Nov 2025
The European Space Agency’s Advanced
Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme helps turn innovative
concepts into commercial reality. One of its most notable recent successes is
HummingSat, a first-of-its-kind small and flexible geostationary satellite
developed by Switzerland’s Swissto12.
While traditional GEO satellites
can be the size of a double-decker bus, HummingSat delivers powerful
communications capabilities in a platform just over one-and-a-half cubic metres
in volume. This disruptive approach gives satellite operators a faster and more
cost-effective way to add capacity, fill coverage gaps and react to evolving
market demands without committing to the scale and cost of a full-sized
satellite.
Swissto12’s journey with ESA
began in 2014 through ARTES Core Competitiveness support, initially focusing on
specialised spacecraft components. The collaboration deepened in 2022 with the
launch of the HummingSat ARTES Partnership Project, enabling the company to
pivot fully into the role of a prime manufacturer in the satellite
communications market. ESA’s involvement went far beyond financial backing: a
dedicated project team worked closely with Swissto12 across technical, product
assurance and management areas, while access to ESA’s network helped the
company build credibility with global operators. The shared-risk approach of
the Partnership Project reduced the commercial and technical barriers for such
a bold market entry.
The response from the market has been swift:
- €200+
million in commercial orders already secured
- Four
satellites sold to global operators Intelsat and Viasat
- First
launch scheduled for 2026
- Growth
from fewer than ten employees to over one hundred, making Swissto12 the
fastest-growing aerospace company in Switzerland
- Engagement
of subcontractors from eight ESA Member States, expanding Europe’s supply
chain and reinforcing leadership in next-generation satellite systems
As Swissto12 reflects, “The
cooperation with ESA has been instrumental to achieve our commercial and
development success so far.” With its first launch approaching, HummingSat is
set to prove that sometimes, the smallest satellites can deliver the biggest
impact.
Explore the full portfolio of ARTES case studies to see how ESA is enabling innovation, competitiveness, and socio-economic benefits across Europe’s space sector.
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