© Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space selects Arianespace to launch PeruSat-1
Airbus Defence and Space
| 2015/03/27 | 458 words
| AVIATION WORLD NEWS | SPACE
Airbus Defence and Space has chosen Arianespace to launch PeruSat-1, the Peruvian Earth observation satellite on a European Vega launcher from Kourou spaceport. The launch of PeruSat-1 is scheduled for 2016.
With PeruSat-1, the Peruvian Defence Ministry becomes the launch customer for the AstroBus-S range, which uses technologies that combine performance, speed of construction and unparalleled value for money. The reliability of this platform is the result of the expertise acquired through the development of more complex variants, on missions as diverse as optical imaging (Pleiades, SPOT 6 & 7, Ingenio, KazEOSat-1), environmental monitoring (Sentinel-2) and meteorology (Sentinel-5P).
PeruSat-1 is also the first programme run by the Projects Factory, a new and more integrated working organisation in the Space System business unit. This new way of working brings down development and construction lead times for satellites up to 500 kg and optimises their costs, without impacting quality in any way.
“We committed to our customer’s request or requirement for rapid access to Earth observation data from space. That means we will deliver PeruSat-1 only two years after the satellite was ordered; ready for launch by Arianespace. When we finish the satellite it will be a record delivery time for such a powerful satellite observation system,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “And we are able to deliver to our customer thanks to the use of this new, optimised platform, called AstroBus-S, and applying our ‘Projects Factory’ organisation. By integrating all our know-how related to platform, instrument, and ground segment in this way, we are creating a game changer with which we aim to win new markets following PeruSat-1.”
PeruSat-1 will also benefit from the experience gained with the Naomi family of optical instruments from Airbus Defence and Space. This technology is state of the art in all fields (performance, lead times, etc.) thanks to the use of appropriate technologies: silicon carbide (SiC) optics and structures, multiple-line detectors, integrated focal planes and ultra-compact optical configurations. Airbus Defence and Space has used these technologies on Earth observation satellites and complex scientific telescopes already in operation (e.g. Herschel, Gaia, KazEOSat-1), and on the Rosetta comet probe.
The PeruSat-1 programme includes a latest-generation optical satellite with its very high-resolution instrument, plus a ground control and image reception and processing segment in a space centre in Peru, built by Airbus Defence and Space. The project also includes a complete transfer of technology programme for the Peruvian engineers and technicians (from advanced instruction in space technologies to satellite operation and the development of appropriate imaging applications) and the supply of images from the Airbus Defence and Space fleet of optical and radar satellites.
Airbus Defence and Space is the world’s second largest space company and the number one exporter of Earth observation satellites.
With PeruSat-1, the Peruvian Defence Ministry becomes the launch customer for the AstroBus-S range, which uses technologies that combine performance, speed of construction and unparalleled value for money. The reliability of this platform is the result of the expertise acquired through the development of more complex variants, on missions as diverse as optical imaging (Pleiades, SPOT 6 & 7, Ingenio, KazEOSat-1), environmental monitoring (Sentinel-2) and meteorology (Sentinel-5P).
PeruSat-1 is also the first programme run by the Projects Factory, a new and more integrated working organisation in the Space System business unit. This new way of working brings down development and construction lead times for satellites up to 500 kg and optimises their costs, without impacting quality in any way.
“We committed to our customer’s request or requirement for rapid access to Earth observation data from space. That means we will deliver PeruSat-1 only two years after the satellite was ordered; ready for launch by Arianespace. When we finish the satellite it will be a record delivery time for such a powerful satellite observation system,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “And we are able to deliver to our customer thanks to the use of this new, optimised platform, called AstroBus-S, and applying our ‘Projects Factory’ organisation. By integrating all our know-how related to platform, instrument, and ground segment in this way, we are creating a game changer with which we aim to win new markets following PeruSat-1.”
PeruSat-1 will also benefit from the experience gained with the Naomi family of optical instruments from Airbus Defence and Space. This technology is state of the art in all fields (performance, lead times, etc.) thanks to the use of appropriate technologies: silicon carbide (SiC) optics and structures, multiple-line detectors, integrated focal planes and ultra-compact optical configurations. Airbus Defence and Space has used these technologies on Earth observation satellites and complex scientific telescopes already in operation (e.g. Herschel, Gaia, KazEOSat-1), and on the Rosetta comet probe.
The PeruSat-1 programme includes a latest-generation optical satellite with its very high-resolution instrument, plus a ground control and image reception and processing segment in a space centre in Peru, built by Airbus Defence and Space. The project also includes a complete transfer of technology programme for the Peruvian engineers and technicians (from advanced instruction in space technologies to satellite operation and the development of appropriate imaging applications) and the supply of images from the Airbus Defence and Space fleet of optical and radar satellites.
Airbus Defence and Space is the world’s second largest space company and the number one exporter of Earth observation satellites.
