TMCnet News

RUAG Space supplies positioning mechanisms for Airbus telecoms satellites
[March 03, 2014]

RUAG Space supplies positioning mechanisms for Airbus telecoms satellites


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 03 March 2014 Release date- 27022014 - RUAG Space has been awarded a framework contract by French satellite manufacturer Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse to supply positioning mechanisms for the electric propulsion systems of telecommunications satellites built on the EUROSTAR 3000 platform.



The first two mechanisms are due to be delivered shortly, with further deliveries currently scheduled up to 2016.

Impressed by its longstanding experience in developing and constructing positioning mechanisms for electric satellite propulsion systems, the French satellite manufacturer formerly called ASTRIUM, which since the start of 2014 has been known as Airbus Defence and Space (ADS), awarded the Austrian space technology company RUAG Space a multi-year framework contract to deliver such mechanisms. The first positioning mechanism developed and constructed by RUAG Space was used on the European data relay satellite ARTEMIS and has been successfully carrying out its function there since 2001. The mechanisms that will now be delivered were developed with ADS while cooperating on ESA contracts and were designed for use on commercial telecoms satellites.


More and more geostationary satellites are relying on novel kinds of electric propulsion system in addition to their chemical thrusters, to keep them correctly positioned in space. Since these propulsion systems have only minimal thrust, they have to be precisely aligned. This calls for positioning mechanisms that combine low mass, high rigidity, and high alignment precision. The mechanisms supplied by RUAG Space also contain the complete electric cabling and fuel supply lines for the electric propulsion systems.

Future telecommunications satellites with both chemical and electrical propulsion that are built on Airbus's EUROSTAR 3000 platform and whose flight path requires a precise north-south alignment will from now on be equipped with RUAG Space propulsion system positioning mechanisms. Two of these mechanisms will be used per satellite. The first two mechanisms will be delivered shortly, with further orders running up until 2016.

This contract is another important step for RUAG Space in growing its commercial space technology manufacturing business. A necessary condition for this growth is the ability to develop innovative products within the framework of ESA contracts and to test them in space.

(c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing -

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]