European Space Propulsion (ESP), an Aerojet Rocketdyne company, has announced the delivery of the first set of satellite thrusters to Surrey Satellite Technology.
The new delivery will support a joint mission between Taiwan and the US in a project to observe and monitor the global climate, atmosphere and ionosphere for improved weather forecasting.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The hardware marks the first contract for ESP and comprises delivery of MR-103G thrusters for six spacecraft, along with an option for hardware for a further six spacecraft for the FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 programme.
This joint programme between Taiwan and the US has been developed to set up an operational constellation of 12 highly reliable satellites to replace the existing FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC mission.
While the first phase includes deployment of six satellites to orbit in 2016, the second phase is scheduled to be deployed in 2018.
The MR-103G thruster, a 1N hydrazine monopropellant thruster, has a long flight heritage for use on a variety of space programmes.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataESP managing director Paul Sinton said that the company is at an advanced stage of establishing a comprehensive in-space propulsion capability, and this delivery represents an important step in the evolution of this development plan.
Sinton said, "Ultimately, ESP plans to have the full capability to manufacture a complete range of chemical and electric propulsion equipment, including thrusters and systems.
"There are also plans to establish a space propulsion test facility that can support tests in a space representative environment. The combined scope of these activities will continue to establish ESP as a key player in the European space propulsion market."
