Mitsubishi Electric has begun construction of a new facility to double the satellite-component production capacity of its Kamakura Works, Sagami Factory in Sagamihara, Japan.
A sum of approximately JPY3bn ($29m) will be invested in the new facility, which is expected to become operational next October.
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Featuring an area of 7,430m², the facility will produce satellite components made of composite materials, solar array panels, structural panels, antennas and others.
The existing Sagami Factory produces and tests solar array panels, structural panels and other satellite components produced by Mitsubishi Electric.
To be equipped with several advanced manufacturing machines, including high-precision machining equipment and automated welding machines, the new facility will help Mitsubishi Electric to expand its presence in the global satellite market.
Once completed, the facility will also house the existing machines currently spread throughout the Sagami factory.
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By GlobalDataThe integrated production processes to be installed in the new facility will help improve productivity, reduce production time and costs, as well as improve product quality.
Sagami Factory currently features thermal vacuum testing chambers, an acoustic test chamber and an antenna test range.
The factory has so far produced 18 satellites and electronic modules for the Japanese-driven H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), which is used for automated cargo resupply in outer space.
In 2011, Mitsubishi Electric was chosen to provide the TURKSAT-4A and TURKSAT-4B satellites to Turkey's Turksat.
The same year, the company delivered ST-2 communications satellite into geostationary orbit for a joint venture between Singapore Telecommunications and Taiwan-based Chunghwa Telecom Company.
In 2014, the company secured a deal to provide Es'hail 2 communications satellite to Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat).
Image: Rendition of new facility at Sagami Factory. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
