Les Mureaux, 27 July 2005 - EADS SPACE Transportation welcomes the recent decision of the French Ministry of Defence to launch a demonstrator programme for ballistic missile upper stages.
The demonstrator programme aims to design a future 3rd stage, which brings together leading edge technology guidance systems, structural materials and propulsion systems within a new architecture. It will also include testing and verification under real conditions enabling these leading technologies to be accurately assessed.
This demonstrator programme will also help maintain the high level of technical competencies required for the technological base of France's deterrent forces as well as the ballistic missiles and space launchers sectors, where EADS SPACE Transportation is henceforth prime contractor - in close collaboration with its partners, particularly SNECMA-SNPE - THALES - SAGEM.
In order to meet the challenge faced by France and Europe to preserve its ballistic and space launcher capabilities developed over 30 years, this decision by the Defence sector should be matched by equivalent support in the civil space sector, necessary to guarantee Europe's independent access to space. Space agencies and governments are expected to announce their plans for demonstrator programmes for the coming 3-4 years in the next few months.
EADS SPACE Transportation is the European specialist for access to space and manned space activities. It develops and produces Ariane launchers, the Columbus laboratory and the ATV cargo carrier for the International Space Station, atmospheric re-entry vehicles, missile systems for France's deterrent force, propulsion systems and space equipment.
EADS SPACE Transportation is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS SPACE, which is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2004, EADS SPACE had a turnover of €2.6 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services.
In 2004, EADS generated revenues of €31.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 110,000.
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