The proven and robust setup is designed to reduce development time and costs, with an optimized 12U platform that requires minimal flight readiness and flight acceptance in order to finalize for launch.

Kongsberg NanoAvionics also offers a single fault-tolerant version of the bus, known as the M12P-R, which eliminates single point failures, increasing reliability and redundancy. The M12P-R has a payload volume of up to 8U and can house payloads with a maximum mass of 16kg.

The M12P’s standardized configuration is also provided with sample mission code pre-installed. This enables a faster setup, simpler payload integration, and the ability to run system diagnostics immediately, in order to accelerate mission development. The platforms are suitable for a wide range of applications in areas such as:

• Earth Observation (EO),
• Communication,
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) systems,
• Machine-to-Machine (M2M),
• Automatic Identification Systems (AIS),
• Internet of Things (IoT),
• Emergency services, and
• Science and research.

Both M12P models support a variety of common data interfaces and feature a fail-safe design that can keep the satellite fully operational in the event of hardware malfunction. The systems are equally well-suited for use in single-satellite missions or as the standardized platform for an entire constellation.

Both the M12P and M12P-R buses can be equipped with an optional propulsion system capable of performing high-impulse maneuvers (such as orbit synchronization, orbital deployment and maintenance, or atmospheric drag compensation). Such operational versatility can extend satellite lifetime and open up new mission concepts.