- Astrium
to supply Argentina’s
first telecommunications satellite with key technologies
The SPU (Satellite Processing Unit) is the satellite platform’s on-board
computer. This is one of the satellite’s key components. Hosting the Argentine custom developed
software, it controls telecommand, telemetry and spacecraft internal
communication interfaces, monitors the vehicle systems and contributes to the
satellite’s fault detection,
isolation and recovery (FDIR) system.
Astrium has already delivered more than 100
control computers in various projects with different international satellite
integrators.
The composite central cylinder is the primary
structure of Arsat-1. It is the ‘backbone’ of the satellite, having a
mass of only 50 kg due to the use of an ultra-high modulus carbon fibre sandwich. This forms an interface with the launcher
and supports the total mass of the satellite, which can be up to three tons. A
total of 70 central cylinders like this have already been developed by Astrium.
For both the SPU and central cylinder, Astrium was selected by ARSAT as
a result of an international competition.
Astrium was later selected to provide the propulsion
subsystem - a bi-propellant system which uses an oxidizer and fuel to propel
the satellite after separation from the launcher to its final orbital position.
During the satellite’s lifetime it provides active attitude control and 3-axis
stabilization for accurate antenna pointing.
Astrium has produced more than 50 Bi-Propellant
Systems for different customers worldwide.
About Astrium
Astrium, a
wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence
space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of €4.3 billion and
more than 15,000 employees in France,
Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain
and the Netherlands.
Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers
and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground
segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
EADS
is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008,
EADS generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more
than 118, 000.
About Arsat
Empresa
Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales Sociedad Anonima, ARSAT, is a company
incorporated by the Argentine Government in 2006. The company aims to develop Argentine
geostationary orbital slots through telecommunications satellites built in Argentina.
ARSAT has selected INVAP, a satellite manufacturer established in Bariloche, Argentina,
as prime contractor for the development and manufacturing of its satellites.
Press contacts:
Daniel
Mosely (Astrium UK) Tel.:
+44 (0)1 438 77 8180
Matthieu Duvelleroy (Astrium FR) Tel.:
+33 (0) 1 77 75 80 32
Ralph Heinrich (Astrium GER) Tel.: +49 (0) 89 607 33971
Francisco Lechón (Astrium SP) Tel.:
+34 91 586 37 41
www.astrium.eads.net
