This news is classified in: Aerospace Communications Engines / Power / Fuel Space
Nov 2, 2018
Thales Alenia Space, the joint company between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), is proud to show the first designed and built Spacebus Neo Xenon Propulsion System (XPS) module that will be integrated into Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite based on the Spacebus NEO platform. The Spacebus NEO product line is supported jointly by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ARTES programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems, and France's space agency (CNES).
This XPS module was presented today in the Space Propulsion Integration and Manufacturing Centre at Thales Belfast, opened in October 2016 after significant investment. The XPS module will be used to raise Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite from the orbit provided by the launch vehicle to the geostationary orbit and then to maintain its station in orbit for at least 15 years.
Following a successful Critical Design Review early 2018, the Spacebus Neo XPS module is now finalising its manufacturing process:
by Component (Antenna, Bracket, Shield, Housing and Propulsion), Satellite Mass (Nano and microsatellite, small satellite, medium and large satellite), Application and Region
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''The all-electric propulsion module, designed and built by specialist teams in Harwell and Belfast, represents the strong commitment of Thales Alenia Space to create, sustain and grow world class innovation, design and advanced space engineering skills in the UK, producing important contributions to future space programmes.'' Ben Olivier, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in the UK
Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive, UK Space Agency said: “Pioneering innovations like this all electric propulsion module will improve access to space, but also deliver new jobs and growth on the ground. We’re working with industry to grow our share of the global space market to 10% by 2030, and the Thales Alenia Space facility in Belfast is an excellent example of UK capability.”
Yohann Leroy, Eutelsat’s Deputy CEO and Chief Technical Officer, added: “Championing innovation in the space industry, we are proud to welcome the delivery of the Spacebus Neo XPS module to our future KONNECT satellite, which will reinforce our leadership in the use of electric propulsion for geostationary communication satellites. This collaboration with Thales Alena Space is of significant importance to us. It marks the first of a two-part series, with two satellites in construction by Thales Alenia Space for Eutelsat: KONNECT and KONNECT VHTS. This ground- breaking industrial approach for the XPS modules, spearheaded by UK space industry, will be rolled-out to both programmes.”
ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, Magali Vaissiere, said: “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners. Supporting the competitiveness of our Member States’ industry is of paramount importance to ESA, and the Spacebus Neo programme is a prime example of a successful ARTES public-private partnership, with a satellite system integrator managing a large scale innovative project and its in-orbit validation.”