[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Airborne Aerospace has been selected by Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands to develop and manufacture the substrate panels for the solar array systems of the Meteorological Operational Second Generation (MetOp SG) satellites. The MetOp-SG satellites will ensure the continuity of essential weather information globally for the next decades. Airborne will manufacture 30 large sandwich substrate panels for the solar arrays of six MetOp-SG satellites and will deliver these before the end of 2017.
The substrate panels for MetOp-SG are based on state-of-the-art ARA Mk4 technology; the 4th generation solar array technology that was developed and qualified by Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, in close cooperation with Airborne Aerospace.
“This contract marks the next step in the longstanding and fruitful cooperation between Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands and Airborne Aerospace. It’s rewarding to know that our joined high-tech, Dutch expertise contribute to the much-needed insight in our climate and weather forecasts,” says Arnaud de Jong, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands.
“The aim of the ARA Mk4 development was to improve our competitiveness, for our client as well as for Airborne, which we have been able to achieve. We see this confirmed by our recent contracts that have been awarded to Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands and Airborne Aerospace, for large programs such as JUICE and MetOp-SG. We clearly see our strategy strengthens the position of both companies within this long-term cooperation,” adds Arno van Mourik, CEO of Airborne International.
About the MetOp programme
The Meteorological Operational satellite programme (MetOp) is a European undertaking providing weather data services to monitor the climate and improve weather forecasts. The programme was jointly established by ESA and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat), forming the space segment of Eumetsat’s Polar System (EPS).
Ensuring essential weather information after 2022
In order to ensure the continuity of essential weather information after 2022, contracts were signed between ESA and Airbus Defence and Space (ADS)in October 2014 to build three new pairs of MetOp Second Generation satellites. Although the different satellites will be developed and built in Toulouse and Friedrichshafen, a large industrial consortium of European companies will be involved under the leadership of ADS.
Separate launches satellites
Each satellite will be launched separately. It is envisaged that the first A satellite will be launched in 2021, followed by the first B satellite in 2022. The MetOp-SG satellites will orbit Earth at an average altitude of 831 km in a polar orbit to provide global coverage.
More information
Please contact us or call Sandor Woldendorp for the latest updates: +31(0)703017470
For more information on the Meteorological Operational satellite programme, please visit the website of ESA.
For additional information on the contract with ESA, please visit the website of Airbus Defence and Space.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]