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The NGC Aerospace team celebrated its 20th anniversary in April 2021, marking two decades of innovation and success in satellite autonomy and space exploration
Sherbrooke’s NGC Aerospace’s pivotal role in PROBA-3 satellite mission
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In the quiet but technologically vibrant city of Sherbrooke, NGC Aerospace stands as a beacon of Canadian ingenuity. Founded in 2001 by Jean de Lafontaine, this cutting-edge firm specializes in autonomous software for satellites, a contribution that has not only revolutionized space operations but also cemented Canada’s presence in the aerospace sector. Most recently, NGC played a key role in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ambitious PROBA-3 mission, a two-satellite system designed to study the Sun’s mysterious corona.
Turning vision into reality
Jean de Lafontaine, NGC’s founder and CEO, traces the company’s trajectory from humble beginnings to its current stature as a world-class innovator. “Our software reduces operational costs by automating satellite functions,” he explained in a Dec. 9 interview. Instead of requiring extensive ground-based teams, NGC’s systems use onboard intelligence to ensure precision and autonomy. This capability is crucial for missions like PROBA-3, where millimeter-accurate positioning and millidegree orientation are non-negotiable.
Located in Sherbrooke’s techno park, NGC has grown from a solo venture to a team of highly skilled engineers. De Lafontaine credits his dual role as a professor at the Université de Sherbrooke for enabling the recruitment of top talent, many of whom were once his students. The company’s ability to foster long-term careers is evident: some of its earliest hires, who joined two decades ago, remain at the core of the team.
NGC’s expertise lies in what it calls “software intelligence,” a deterministic system that ensures satellites operate predictably and reliably. Unlike general artificial intelligence, which can produce unpredictable results, NGC’s software guarantees stability and consistency—qualities critical for space missions where even minor errors can jeopardize millions of dollars of equipment.
A mission to illuminate the Sun
The PROBA-3 mission, launched on Dec. 5, represents a milestone in solar research. By orchestrating artificial eclipses every 20 hours, the two satellites—a coronagraph and an occulter—allow scientists to observe the solar corona for extended periods. This layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, known for its enigmatic solar flares and eruptions, plays a critical role in phenomena like space weather, which can disrupt Earth’s communication networks and power grids.
“Solar flares caused Quebec’s 1989 blackout,” de Lafontaine pointed out. “Understanding the corona could help predict such events.” With NGC’s software autonomously controlling the satellites to within millidegree orientation and millimeter positioning, PROBA-3 delivers unprecedented precision in solar observations. The eclipses created by the two satellites will last up to six hours, providing scientists with an unparalleled opportunity to study the corona’s role in solar storms.
These advancements are not only scientific but also technological. The PROBA-3 mission is a first-of-its-kind demonstration of high-precision formation flying. The two satellites must maintain a separation of 150 metres with millimeter accuracy, exchanging information in real time to achieve their delicate alignment. Any deviation risks exposing the coronagraph to direct sunlight, negating the eclipse and disrupting data collection.
A partnership spanning decades
NGC’s collaboration with ESA and European manufacturers is no accident. The Canada-ESA Collaboration Agreement has been pivotal, enabling Canadian firms like NGC to bid on European contracts. Over the past 23 years, NGC has contributed to six ESA missions, collectively accumulating 65 years of flawless software operation in orbit. “This partnership is a testament to international cooperation and the expertise we’ve developed,” de Lafontaine said.
The partnership extends beyond software development to close relationships with European satellite manufacturers like Airbus. By integrating its software into hardware systems designed overseas, NGC has positioned itself as a critical player in the global space sector.
Beyond the corona
NGC’s vision extends well beyond PROBA-3. Two additional satellite projects are already in the pipeline. One will monitor atmospheric pollution using advanced optical technology, tracking the Earth’s atmospheric composition to support climate change mitigation efforts. This satellite will detect the composition of particles in the atmosphere by observing the light of stars as they disappear behind the Earth’s horizon, a process known as stellar occultation.
Another upcoming project involves a platform for testing new aerospace innovations. This mission, led by the European Union, will allow various experimental payloads to be tested in space, further pushing the boundaries of satellite technology.
Looking further ahead, NGC is exploring technologies for lunar missions, including a “GPS for the Moon” that uses crater mapping for navigation. By comparing real-time images of lunar craters with preloaded topographical maps, this system could guide orbiters and landers with unmatched precision. “We’ll have a demonstration of that software onboard lunar vehicles next year,” de Lafontaine shared, noting that while specific launch dates remain confidential, the mission marks a significant step in NGC’s portfolio.
Artificial intelligence on the horizon
Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a growing role in the company’s work. Although AI is not yet integrated into critical satellite control systems due to its unpredictable nature, NGC is actively exploring its potential for non-critical tasks. For example, AI could be used to analyze Earth observation data, such as identifying cloud cover to optimize image collection.
“Right now, we use deterministic systems for reliability, but we’re researching how AI can complement those systems,” de Lafontaine said. “We’ve used AI in design stages to optimize software, and we’re researching its applications in other areas.”
Global recognition, local roots
While NGC operates on a global stage, it remains deeply rooted in Sherbrooke. The company’s location provides access to a rich pool of talent and research facilities. Although it has yet to collaborate directly with Sherbrooke’s quantum computing initiatives, NGC maintains connections with other cutting-edge research centers, including Montreal’s AI institutes.
This local connection extends to its role as an employer. By recruiting from the Université de Sherbrooke and nurturing long-term careers, NGC contributes to the region’s economic and technological ecosystem. Its success is a testament to how small and medium enterprises can thrive in high-tech industries.
As NGC Aerospace continues to push boundaries, it exemplifies the potential of Canadian innovation to make a global impact. From understanding our Sun to paving the way for future lunar exploration, the company is crafting a legacy that reaches far beyond Earth. By combining local expertise with international partnerships, NGC is not just observing the universe—it’s reshaping our understanding of it.