An Innovative Approach to Satellite Structure Assembly

This project is the first stage of the development of the mechanical platform for European telecommunications satellites in the 3 to 6 tonne range. The mechanical platform comprises the satellite structure, propulsion and thermal control system. The project will study and trade-off new architectures for the mechanical platform which better address the requirements of the communications payload and optimise the propulsive efficiency. The project is a collaborative venture between Astrium and a number of industrial and academic partners that is intended to encourage technological innovation and enhace the competitiveness of the UK supply chain. This project forms part of the wider European development of the Next Generation Platform.