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ESA invests in Swissto12 to accelerate European spacecom sovereignty | Computer Weekly

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ESA invests in Swissto12 to accelerate European spacecom sovereignty | Computer Weekly


Aerospace and satellite systems manufacturer Swissto12 has secured €73m in financial support from European Space Agency (ESA) member states to accelerate Swissto12’s development and industrialisation of the HummingSat space programme.

Explaining its core mission, Swissto12 says it is enabling a transformational shift in the global satellite communications industry, away from legacy large, purpose-built, expensive and slow-to-deploy services towards smaller, faster, cheaper assets that leverage software-defined, reconfigurable payload architectures and agile, multi-orbit capabilities.

The HummingSat platform is regarded as a new class of geostationary small satellites that are said to be “significantly” smaller and more cost-efficient than conventional geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) craft. HummingSat is seen as offering new economics for the geostationary satellite market, unlocking faster builds, lower costs and ride-share launches. It’s also said to offer a telecoms-grade service backbone that plugs directly into the 3GPP non-terrestrial networks standard, designed for mass-market adoption.

Swissto12 also believes its form factor can support cost-effective production and ride-share launch opportunities with its proprietary, space-qualified additive manufacturing technology and advanced radio frequency (RF) systems, further enhancing payload performance, streamlining production, and reducing both manufacturing time and cost.

The craft was developed in collaboration with the ESA through its public-private partnership programme. The company’s RF products are said to benefit from unique and patented 3D printing technologies and associated radio frequency product designs that deliver lightweight, compact, high-performing and “competitive” RF functionality.

The funding is part of the HummingSat Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (Artes) partnership project, and is designed to see Swissto12 scaling up its manufacturing capacity and accelerating new product innovations. These initiatives also aim to address increasing global demand for cost-effective, agile and sovereign communications in both government and commercial sectors.

Additionally, the investment is targeted at allowing Swissto12 to further develop its phased-array antenna technologies to be used onboard low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit and GEO satellite payloads, and ground products such as user terminals. This will strengthen its ability to serve a broad set of customer needs, for communications from and to geostationary and non-geostationary orbits. 

The additional ESA funding, through the Artes HummingSat Partnership Project, within ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications, has been backed by pledges from member states Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden and Norway, and associate member Canada.

“We are proud to continue our support of Swissto12, particularly in creating cost-effective solutions for satellite systems that answer to the satcom ecosystem’s ever-increasing demands,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA director of connectivity and secure communications. “ESA is committed to elevating Europe’s future in space through our support of industry, and by accelerating next-generation satellite technologies.”

Swissto12 CEO and founder Emile de Rijk added: “The recent subscriptions of member states and cooperating states at the ESA Ministerial Council to the HummingSat Project and the latest round of funding from European private investors sends a strong message to the global market that Swissto12 is at the heart of satellite communications innovation.

“With our growing suite of agile, cost-effective and highly performant SatCom solutions, we provide a credible answer to some of the most pressing challenges facing the space economy, including the critical issue of enabling satellite sovereignty – something, until now, out of reach for most of the world’s nations.”



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These Are the Best Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories We’ve Tried

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These Are the Best Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories We’ve Tried


Other Switch 2 Accessories to Consider

Photograph: Matt Kamen

iMP Tech DLEX+LED Multi-Function Charger Stand for £35: Perfect for streamers or desk-bound players, this will keep your gaming space tidy and your controllers fully juiced. It has charging slots for four Joy-Con 2s and four original Joy-Cons on the main base unit, all with charge indicators, while two pop-out USB-C cables at the rear allow you to connect more conventional joypads, like the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Power is provided through the charging adapter you already plug into your console’s dock, which is in turn locked in place on the DLX2 with a dual USB-A block that feeds the power through. It’s compatible with the Switch 2, original Switch, and the Switch OLED, and the two USB slots you lose on the dock itself are replaced with pass-through ports on the left of the base for other accessories. Organizationally, the stand gives you somewhere to hang your headset, while a spring-loaded tray on the right holds and hides up to nine Game Carts. It can be a little fiddly to set up, and overall charging can slow down if you try to connect the maximum 10 devices, but once done, it’s a great storage solution, elevated by subtle but striking RGB lighting. However, like iMP’s mouse adapters, stock seems limited to Amazon UK at the time of writing. —Matt Kamen

Spigen Rugged Armor for $18: This molded grip case has heavy bumpers and thick Joy-Con grips, but it was tough to remove, which you’ll have to do a lot, because it won’t fit in the dock with the case on, and you can’t separate the Joy-Cons either. This would be a good case if you’re buying the console for a younger kid whom you don’t trust to treat it gently.

Belkin TemperedGlass Screen Protector With Blue Light Filter for $30: While I liked the look of this screen protector, and the blue light filter is handy for late-night gaming sessions, the lackluster applicator frame isn’t quite as nice as the other options. It’s also a bit expensive, at $30 for just one.

Dbrand Prism 2.0 for $35: I liked the Prism 2.0 screen protectors and their application process as much as the Spigen above. But they’re slightly more expensive and only available directly from Dbrand, so if you buy them on their own, you’ll have to pay shipping. If you’re buying anything else, like a case or a skin, you’ll get a discount and likely qualify for free shipping, making these well worth it.

Jsaux Joy-Con Charging Grip for $15: If you often play with the Joy-Cons detached, this charging grip from Jsaux lets you continue playing while charging the controllers in the process via the USB-C slot at the top of the handle. It also puts them at a more ergonomic angle, but keeping them attached makes some motion controls unusable, and I would’ve liked to see an internal battery.



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Top Shark Promo Codes for This January

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Top Shark Promo Codes for This January


Keeping my house clean can feel like an impossible task with a litter-kicking-happy cat and a two-year-old on a mission to throw everything, whether it’s Cheerios or pizza, onto the floor. One of the things that has made it easier, though, is my Shark handheld vacuum. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is one of our favorite handheld vacuums, and it’s made it easy to clean up messes from both my cat and tiny human without needing to lug my old vacuum out for every mess. If you want a mess-free home for less, check our Shark coupon code.

Get 10% Off Your First Order With a Shark Promo Code

If you’re buying a Shark vacuum for the first time, you’re in luck: you can get 10 percent off right away by signing up for Shark’s emails. You’ll be prompted to put your email in, and will be emailed a unique code for you to use to get 10 percent off your order of a single item. That item doesn’t have to be a vacuum—feel free to snag your own Shark FlexStyle, an air purifier, or even a red light mask.

Get 15% Off $150+ With the Shark Student Discount

If you’re a student, you can get one of the best Shark discount codes regularly available: 15 percent off purchases over $150. In order to get it, you’ll need an account on UNiDAYS, then visit the Shark website through the UNiDAYS portal to get the student discount code.

Give $20, Get a $20 Shark Coupon Code With Referral

If you’ve already had your first order on Shark’s website, all is not lost. You can refer a friend to get them a $20 discount on orders over $100 on Shark’s website. You’ll score a $20 discount for yourself, too, once that referral code is validated, though you’ll need to spend $200 to use it.

Enjoy Frozen Treats for Less With the Shark Ninja Creami

We at WIRED love the Shark Ninja Creami; we called it “almost as good as having your own personal frozen yogurt shop.” (Read our full review here.) With a wide variety of recipes, simple use that’s easy enough for a 7-year-old to operate, and costing thousands less than commercial alternatives, it’s safe to say we are fans here. Check out Shark Ninja’s full catalogue of ice cream makers, including the Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl, which turns virtually anything into soft serve; and the Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, which allows you to make every sweet treat with ease at home, from gelato to sorbet to smoothie bowls. Plus, the Ninja CREAMi XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker, which allows you to make italian ice, frozen yogurt, and more. All of these viral makers are on sale right now, making it the perfect time to indulge in a sweet treat (for less).

Shop Responsibly (and Save) With Refurbished Shark Products

If you’re looking for an eco-conscious option, Shark has a refurbishment program where you can get a certified renewed vacuums, hair dryers, and stylers for a lower cost. It’s a great way to get a discount on Shark’s fantastic gadgets, with up to $100 off a refurbished product. There’s not always a refurbished product ready to buy, but you can sign up to get alerts for certain products, like the Shark FlexStyle system.

When to Save the Most With a Shark Promo Code

Wondering if there’s a best time to shop on Shark’s website? While some of the best times of year won’t be until the fall holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can keep an eye out for great sales during summer holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shark also has an end of season sale usually in July, plus a Shark Anniversary Sale in September.

More Shark Cleaning Tools We Love

Shark makes more than just handheld vacuum cleaners: they’ve got robot vacuums, steam cleaners, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and so much more. And there’s several we love, from the Shark PowerDetect (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and the Shark Genius Steam Mop. Shark also makes fantastic hair tools like the Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends). In the spirit of spring cleaning, there’s no better time to get a brand-new Shark vacuum, especially since you can snag a Shark promo code for 10 percent off and up to $100 off any Shark vacuum. There’s also student discounts and referral codes for more money off if you qualify. Here are all the Shark promo codes you can’t miss.



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TCL Knocks $1,000 off One of Our Favorite Mid-Range TVs

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TCL Knocks ,000 off One of Our Favorite Mid-Range TVs


If your team is still in the running, you may be in the market for a new TV to watch the big game, and TCL has you covered with a hefty discount on the TCL QM8K, one of our favorite mid-range screens. You can grab a 65″ QM8K for just $1,000, a healthy 60 percent discount, with lower percentage markdowns on the larger sizes.

One of the QM8K’s most striking features is the complete lack of bezels, giving your entertainment stand a modern and distinctive look. With the included pedestal mount, it almost looks like it’s floating, a neat trick for such a well-priced television. While there may be some personal preference when it comes to the interface, we generally feel that Google TV is one of the better options right now, and it supports both Chromecast and Airplay 2, so Apple folks won’t feel left out.

Of course, the screen itself is also excellent, with vivid colors that have an excellent pop, and a five thousand nit max brightness that’s extremely potent when turned all the way up. It’s even good for some light gaming, with a 144Hz refresh rate and dedicated gaming mode. With support for all the most popular HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ, you’ll never wonder if you could be seeing brighter whites or darker black levels.

While several screen sizes are discounted, you’ll find the largest markdown on the 65″ model, with the price dropping from $2,500 to just $1,000 on Amazon, and Best Buy was honoring the deal but sold out already as I write this. If you’ve got room to spare, the larger models are discounted as well, with the 75″ version coming down to $1,500, a 50 percent discount from the usual price. If you have a particularly large living room, there’s a massive 98″ offering as well, and it’s currently $3,000, a big break from the typical $5,000 price tag.

We’re big fans of the TCL QM8K, but if you’d like to do a little more research first, make sure to swing by the roundup of our favorite TVs, which includes several TCL models, as well as even more premium offerings.



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