Industry
Astri Polska Delivering All of the Hardware for the European Telecommunication Satellites
Astri Polska has delivered the last out of four devices that are a subject to a contract related to the programme, the goal of which is to create a new generation of the European telecommunication satellite systems. PLN 5 million is the value of the contract. The deliveries that are taking place this year are destined to be received by ESA. This is a special result, not only when it comes to the Polish space sector, but also within the whole Eastern European region.
Solutions for the most Demanding Customer
Eurostar Neo is a programme aimed at creating a new generation of a platform for telecommunication satellites. It is a part of the “NeoSat” initiative led by ESA and French CNES agency. The new platform is to be 30% less expensive, in comparison with the designs used now, also offering a greater capability when it comes to the carried loads. Airbus Defence and Space remains the prime contractor within the project, the company is a global leader in the area of space technologies.
Astri Polska signed a contract related to delivery of 4 systems for this programme back in 2016. The agreement envisaged designing and manufacturing of 2 types of hardware, 2 pieces of each type. Their task would be to simulate the electronic interface of the satellite platform, with special attention paid to the onboard computer and power management system. Furthermore, the hardware would also be designed for the purpose of testing the satellite avionics.
Delivery of hardware for the Eurostar Neo satellites is a major milestone in the history of the industrial involvement of the Polish companies in the European space programmes. It does not happen often that the Polish companies deliver readymade products for the satellites that are going to be used by telecom companies around the world. The telecommunications segment is also a very demanding area of the space market. The commercial customers do not accept any compromise when it comes to the quality of the requested products. We are happy that we’ve been able to deliver systems that met those requirements.
Further Deliveries for ESA: By the End of This Year
This is not the end, when it comes to the joint ESA and Astri Polska projects that are to be finalized this year. According to the statements made by the Polish entity, Astri plans to deliver 10 readymade products to ESA, by the end of this year.
“By the end of this year we are going to hand off further electronic systems to ESA, along with an optomechatronic device that would make it possible to test the main sensor of the Sentinel-5 mission, as well as 2 GNSS receivers test environments and a system for monitoring the ice cover on rivers” - Mandas listed the opportunities, - – “We are also involved in talks, the goal of which would be to acquire further orders assigned by ESA.”
Source: Astri Polska