SSTL to ship last Eutelsat Quantum satellite part from UK to France

Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) is set to transfer the last component of the Eutelsat Quantum satellite from its site in Guildford, UK, to Airbus’ France-based facility for final assembly and testing.

At the Airbus site, Eutelsat Quantum will be paired with its payload.

The satellite weighs more than 1t and can be reprogrammed to adjust its coverage, frequency, power, and orbital position in orbit.

Nicknamed ‘Chameleon’, the telecom satellite is developed as part of a partnership between Eutelsat and European Space Agency (ESA) under the latter’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.

Airbus and UK Space Agency are also involved in the development of the satellite, which will be operated by Eutelsat once launched into space.

SSTL managing director Sarah Parker said: “The completion of our work on the Eutelsat Quantum satellite platform is an important milestone for SSTL as it represents our first venture into the global commercial telecoms satellite market.

“The design and assembly of this innovative spacecraft have enabled us to advance the knowledge and skills required to develop highly capable satellite products for the evolving telecoms market, where we are now actively engaged in seeking new opportunities.”

The majority of Eutelsat Quantum’s equipment was built by Airbus in the UK. Last month, Airbus transported the payload to its facilities in France.

The satellite is currently undergoing testing and expected to be integrated onto the platform later this year.

UK Space Agency CEO Dr Graham Turnock said: “Through our €480m development funding in the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, the government’s Industrial Strategy and partnering with industry leaders such as Airbus, we are helping UK businesses transform ‘the stuff of science fiction’ into a acommercial advantage, resulting in jobs, growth and innovation.”