The launch platform for European Space Agency’s (ESA) Small-GEO satellites will use propulsion system developed by Avio, under a new contract between Avio and OHB-System.

The small geostationary satellite initiative aims to develop a general-purpose small geostationary satellite platform to enable European industry to compete effectively in the commercial telecoms market for small platforms.

The Small-GEO system is a small geostationary telecommunications satellite being developed under ESA’s ARTES 11 programme.

The Small-Geo platform will accommodate a wide range of commercial payload and missions including TV broadcast, multimedia applications, internet access and mobile or fixed services in a wide range of frequency bands.

Avio will develop the whole liquid-propellant propulsion system for the platform.

Avio provides aerospace solid-propellant propulsion solutions along with liquid propulsion systems.