A2100

Orbital ATK has secured an extension to its contract with Lockheed Martin to provide propellant and pressurant tanks for the A2100 satellite platform.

Under the five-year contract, the company will supply A2100 flight sets, including a hybrid composite pair of liquid propellant tanks, titanium-lined pressurant tanks, and a pair of titanium-lined ion propulsion xenon tanks.

Orbital ATK produces satellite fuel tanks at its space systems group in Commerce, California, US.

Through its space components division, the company offers titanium propellant tanks used in military, scientific and commercial satellites, space-launch vehicles and space-exploration vehicles.

To date, the unit has created more than 600 designs and delivered more than 6,100 tanks.

The liquid propellant tanks feature a PMD Technologies-developed propellant management device (PMD), designed to provide gas-free propellant to the satellite’s thrusters and control the fluid during various operational scenarios.

The PMDs are claimed to ensure propellant compatibility throughout the mission.

"Lockheed Martin’s A2100 satellite platform is ideal for global telecommunications applications for government, commercial and civil customers."

Orbital ATK space components division vice-president and general manager Dave Shanahan said: "Since the mid-1990s, we have become the ‘go-to supplier’ for these tanks.

"This latest contract represents the continued vote of confidence from a valued customer in our engineering and analysis strength and our facility that provides end-to-end manufacturing capabilities for tanks."

The company has so far delivered more than 1,400 PMD tank assemblies.

Lockheed Martin’s A2100 satellite platform is ideal for global telecommunications applications for government, commercial and civil customers.

Built on the company’s ‘digital tapestry’ virtual production process, the revamped A2100 offers flexible electrical power and various propulsion options, including electric, chemical and hybrid systems, as well as a range of payload capabilities.

Lockheed Martin global supply chain vice-president Mike Cacheiro said: "By signing long-term agreements like this, we’re able to offer our customers competitive prices coupled with superior technology to meet a host of missions."


Image: The A2100 offers propulsion flexibility, and is ideal for global telecommunications applications. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation.