PeruSat-1

Arianespace has secured a contract from Airbus Defence and Space to launch the Peruvian Earth observation satellite, PeruSat-1, on-board its Vega launch vehicle.

Said to be first-of-its-kind satellite to be operated by Peru, the PeruSat-1 is schedule for lift-off from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana in 2016.

Arianespace chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: "Airbus Defence and Space has entrusted us with a key mission, to launch this landmark satellite for its customer, Peru, using the Vega launcher, for which our partner ELV is the prime contractor.

"The programme is said to be the first for Airbus’s space system business unit’s projects factory."

"With this third launch contract since the start of the year, Vega consolidates its leadership in the export market, for both governmental and commercial missions."

PeruSat-1 is built on Airbus’s new AstroBus-S platform, and incorporates silicon carbide optics and structures, multiple-line detectors, integrated focal planes and ultra-compact optical configurations.

The programme is said to be the first for Airbus’s space system business unit’s projects factory.

Airbus Defence and Space space systems head François Auque said: "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."

The PeruSat-1 programme comprises an optical satellite and a ground control and image reception and processing segment in a space centre in Peru.


Image: Arianespace and Airbus Defence and Space officials signing the contract. Photo: courtesy of MAEDI BChapiron / Airbus Defence and Space.