France-based Thales Alenia Space has opened a new facility that will manufacture electric propulsion systems for satellites in Belfast, UK.

The new Space Propulsion Integration Centre will manufacture about four satellite electric propulsion systems a year, including those for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Neosat satellite programme.

Thales Alenia Space has already signed three contracts based on its Spacebus NEO satellite platform, including three XPS modules, which will be built in the new facility.

“We want to ensure local businesses maximise their world-class capabilities and expertise to position Northern Ireland as a globally recognised region for space sector innovation and expertise."

A group of ten Belfast-based engineers has also completed training in the new electric propulsion technology, which enables satellites to carry larger payloads for longer periods, at the company’s headquarters in France.

The facility has also received a training and industrial research grant from the government of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster said: “We want to ensure local businesses maximise their world-class capabilities and expertise to position Northern Ireland as a globally recognised region for space sector innovation and expertise.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The new clean room facilities at Thales are an important investment in the development of Northern Ireland’s space cluster and demonstrate the group’s confidence in the world-class engineering capabilities of its workforce in Northern Ireland.”

The Belfast facility will also work with the UK Space Agency, as well as other Thales sites worldwide.  

Thales Alenia Space is also planning to expand its space engineering centres of excellence in Bristol and Harwell.