European Space Propulsion (ESP), an Aerojet Rocketdyne company, has announced the delivery of the first set of satellite thrusters to Surrey Satellite Technology.

The new delivery will support a joint mission between Taiwan and the US in a project to observe and monitor the global climate, atmosphere and ionosphere for improved weather forecasting.

The hardware marks the first contract for ESP and comprises delivery of MR-103G thrusters for six spacecraft, along with an option for hardware for a further six spacecraft for the FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 programme.

This joint programme between Taiwan and the US has been developed to set up an operational constellation of 12 highly reliable satellites to replace the existing FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC mission.

"The company is at an advanced stage of establishing a comprehensive in-space propulsion capability."

While the first phase includes deployment of six satellites to orbit in 2016, the second phase is scheduled to be deployed in 2018.

The MR-103G thruster, a 1N hydrazine monopropellant thruster, has a long flight heritage for use on a variety of space programmes.

ESP managing director Paul Sinton said that the company is at an advanced stage of establishing a comprehensive in-space propulsion capability, and this delivery represents an important step in the evolution of this development plan.

Sinton said, "Ultimately, ESP plans to have the full capability to manufacture a complete range of chemical and electric propulsion equipment, including thrusters and systems.

"There are also plans to establish a space propulsion test facility that can support tests in a space representative environment. The combined scope of these activities will continue to establish ESP as a key player in the European space propulsion market."

Defence Technology