Astrium
Number 1 in Europe and no. 3 worldwide, Astrium employs around 18,000 men and women in five countries: France, Germany, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. 18,000 professionals chosen from among the very best, all passionate about space and driven by the great adventure of our time – bringing the infinite potential of space down to Earth for the benefit of mankind. Guaranteeing Europe’s access to space as the established leader in space transportation, satellite systems and services, Astrium has for over 40 years been dedicated to bring you all the space you need - now and in the future. It is a mission which resonates with many of the most prestigious names in space – Ariane, the International Space Station, Envisat, Mars Express, Skynet 5 … It is a mission with a consistent commitment, to offer our customers the best possible solutions in the market, with unbeatable levels of, quality, cost-efficiency and schedule adherence.
Locations
- 33165 Saint Médard en JallesAquitaine, CedexFrance+ 33 (0) 5 56 57 30 00Located at about 15 kilometres from Bordeaux in the south-west of France, this centre is the historical birthplace of the French strategic nuclear force’s ballistic systems. The skills acquired developing these programmes have made Aquitaine the specialist for integration of solid propellant stages, re-entry vehicles, design and manufacture of thermal protection systems, and high-performance wound filament structures, and complex testing and engineering for ground installations.
- Avda. de Aragón 404Madrid, 28022Spain+34 91 586 37 00Located near Madrid Barajas Airport, the site boasts the most advanced facilities, in grounds of more than 27,000 m2. Experience gained over the past 40 years has turned it into a European centre of excellence in composites for space applications. It specialises in systems and is a prime contractor for the development and construction of satellites, payloads and on-board instruments. Structural, thermal, antenna and wiring subsystems for satellites (including ESA), launchers (Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega) and the International Space Station are also produced at this site, home of the leading Spanish space company.
- Airbus-Allee 1Bremen, 28199GermanyBremen is the European centre of excellence for manned spaceflight, launch vehicles and space robotics. With a workforce of around 1,000 highly qualified employees, this north German site is responsible for key European contributions to the International Space Station ISS, such as the Columbus space lab and the unmanned Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). Astrium Bremen is the industrial operator responsible for operating the European elements of the Space Station. In addition, the upper stage of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle – the global market leader for commercial satellite transportation – is developed and built at the site. Other work and research areas include rendezvous and docking, automatic spacecraft landing, tank technology, zero-gravity research and mission planning.
- Claude-Dornier-StraíŸeImmenstaad, 88090Germany+ 49 (0) 7545 - 8 - 01For five decades the site of Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance has been the lynchpin for the development and construction of satellites, probes and instruments for scientific research in space, Earth observation and meteorology. Currently taking shape at Friedrichshafen are the MetOp series of meteorological satellites, the three-satellite Swarm mission to investigate the Earth’s magnetic field, the multi-spectral Sentinel-2 satellite, and the radar satellite Paz. The Friedrichshafen site is also leading the European BepiColombo Mercury mission, and is playing an active role in the Gaia astronomy mission. Geo-information services are provided by Astrium Services’ subsidiary Spot Infoterra. FriedrichshafenFriedrichshafen is also a centre of competence for the development and manufacture of experiment facilities for research under microgravity conditions.
- Guiana CentreKourou, B.P. 810 - 97388French Guiana+ 594 594 33 79 31Kourou was chosen in part because it is at 5°3 latitude north of the Equator, which makes the site ideal for launching a majority of satellites: It is possible to place payloads into geostationary orbit which are about 15 to 20% greater than comparable launchers at Cape Canaveral. Following the first firing of a Diamant rocket by CNES (the French Space Agency) in 1970, Europe decided to use Kourou for its Europa launchers. In 1975 ESA took over the existing European facilities at the Guiana Space Centre to build ELA-1 (the “Ensemble de Lancement Ariane”, or Ariane launch complex) for its Ariane-1, -2 and -3 launchers. For Ariane-4, and to step up the launch rate to about 10 a year, ESA created ELA-2. Now, Ariane-4 is over and Ariane-5 is however launched from a third complex, ELA-3, whose facilities spread over 21 square kilometres. “Europe’s spaceport” covers 96 000 hectares, and has a workforce of 1100.
- Langer GrundLampoldshausen, 74239Germany+49 (0) 6298 9 39-0+49 (0) 6298 9 39-270With its design, production and test facilities, the Lampoldshausen site near Heilbronn features among Europe’s most prominent manufacturers of thrusters and propulsion systems. In order to obtain maximum service life from satellites while still achieving the greatest possible savings in terms of launch weight, the engineers in Lampoldshausen developed the Unified Propulsion System. UPS is a combination of up to 16 thrusters with 10 N thrust for orbit and attitude control and a thruster with 400 N thrust, both of which are fuelled by two or four propellant tanks. UPS can rotate the satellite around all axes depending upon which thrusters are fired. With over 50 satellites maintaining trouble-free operation using this propulsion system (and additionally more than 110 monopropellant hydrazine propulsion systems produced for satellites and probes) – some for more than 10 years now – Lampoldshausen can be counted among the world market leaders in this segment. Lampoldshausen also delivers the whole propulsion system for the unmanned freight transporter ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), which provides the International Space Station with supply goods, fuels and materials.
- 51 - 61 Route de VerneuilLes Mureaux, CedexFrance+ 33 (0) 1 39 06 12 34Located 40 km west of Paris, at the heart of the Astech and Systém@tic clusters, this site comprises most of Astrium Space Transportation’s central directorates. The site specialises in the prime contractorship of major space and strategic programmes (e.g. Ariane, M51). The main activities at the Les Mureaux site are: Ariane Programme management Integration of the Ariane 5 Cryogenic Main Stage Support for launcher integration campaigns in Kourou Design and development of future Ariane 5 versions (e.g. Ariane 5 ME) Simulation and validation platforms Defence Programme management and prime contractorship Simulation and validation platforms ATV Contribution to programme management and prime contractorship, located in Bremen Contribution to systems engineering and flight support (integrated team Bremen/Les Mureaux) Production and maintenance of flight software, flight procedures and associated databases Simulation and validation platforms Equipment and systems production Pyrotechnic and fluidic systems Large scale machining Missile fairings SYLDA (Ariane dual payload system) adaptor to add a second satellite inside the fairing Satellite central tube Satellite reflectors Simulation and validation platforms The platforms at Les Mureaux, located close to the design offices, are a key stage before final integration for the validation of equipment, electrical systems and actuators, flight programmes or for the development of ground systems. They are used throughout the product lifecycle to validate improvements or to analyse and evaluate flights.
- Robert-Koch-Str. 1Ottobrunn, 82024GermanySituated to the south-east of Munich, the Ottobrunn site has a proud tradition of aerospace excellence that stretches back over several decades and brings to mind famous names like Bölkow, Messerschmitt and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. Today it is home to Astrium GmbH, the German part of EADS’ space division. Boasting around 900 highly skilled employees, the site is primarily responsible for manufacturing space propulsion systems and satellite subsystems for telecommunications, navigation and Earth observation. It is a leading producer of satellite attitude control systems, as well as solar arrays, which function as ultra-light “power stations” and supply modern satellites with energy. Astrium’s core activities in Ottobrunn additionally encompass launch vehicle propulsion systems, including the thrust chambers – the very heart of any rocket engine – for the first and second stages of Ariane 5. The company and its local subsidiaries also play a major role in the construction and operation of SATCOMBw Stage 2, the satellite communications system for the German Armed Forces. Furthermore, the European Space Agency has assigned Astrium overall responsibility for the European contribution to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which will, incidentally, carry an optical instrument manufactured in Ottobrunn – the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), capable of detecting even the slightest radiation from the most distant galaxies.
- 12 rue Pasteur, BP 76Paris, 92152 Suresnes CedexFrance
- Anchorage RoadPortsmouth, PO3 5PUUnited KingdomLocated to the north east of the naval city of Portsmouth, the site has played a major role in the development of the UK’s space capabilities since the 1960s. Its 1,400 staff are involved in the design, build and test of: advanced payloads for mobile and military communications satellites world-leading Earth observation payloads with advanced spaceborne radars sensors and scientific instruments such as the microwave humidity sounder payloads for the Galileo navigation system satellites
- First AvenuePoynton, SK12 1NEUnited KingdomOn the outskirts of Manchester, 12 miles from the city centre, the Poynton site concentrates its 120-strong workforce on producing microwave components and ground terminals for fixed and mobile communications. Its primary responsibilities are: the build and test of SCOT ship-borne satellite terminals for the Royal Navy and other navies worldwide the assembly and test of transportable strategic and tactical terminals for ground forces the manufacture and assembly of airborne terminals
- Gunnels Wood RoadStevenage, SG1 2ASUnited KingdomAstrium and Paradigm Secure Communications. 50 km north of London, the site assembled Blue Streak missiles in the 1950s and now houses Astrium’s spacecraft design and build facility and the headquarters of Paradigm Secure Communications. Responsibilities for its 1,200 workforce include: structure and subsystem design and build for all Eurostar communications satellites prime contractor for science missions such as Mars Rover, Gaia and LISA Pathfinder prime contractor for EO satellites like Aeolus the management and operation of the UK MOD’s Skynet 5 satellite system
- 31 rue des Cosmonautes, Z.I. du PalaysToulouse, 31402 Toulouse Cedex 4France+ 33 (0) 5 62 19 62 19At its location in the southwest of France, Astrium in Toulouse specialises in satellite prime contracting, design, assembly integration and test for communications, Earth observation and science satellites. Its expertise also extends to avionics, optical instruments, on board software and ground systems at subsystem level. An additional and rapidly growing area of expertise is its services arm – covering both global space-based communications solutions and sophisticated geo-information services.
- Torres Quevedo, 9, (P.T.M.)Tres Cantos, Madrid, 28760SpainFounded in 1985, CRISA (Computadoras, Redes e Ingenirería S.A.) has based its main activity in the design and manufacture of electronic equipment and software for space applications (satellites, launchers and orbital infrastructure). Other activities include engineering projects for ground stations, defence and audiovisual sectors. The experience and technological capacity acquired during all these years in the space sector has allowed CRISA to achieve a leading position in the development of control and power units for electric propulsion systems for satellites.
- 1 Boulevard Jean Moulin, CS 30503Elancourt, 78997FranceElancourt’s location gives easy access for its principal customers, partners and suppliers. The main focus is the Electronics centre of competence, Astrium’s high technology hub. Principal activities at Elancourt comprise: electronic equipment design, development and manufacture, test, engineering, hybrid circuit and multi-chip manufacture.
- P.O. Box 32070Leiden, 2303 DBNetherlands+ 31 (0) 71 5245000info@dutchspace.nl+ 31(0) 71 5245999Dutch Space B.V. is the largest space company in the Netherlands and a well-known supplier for the international space industry. Dutch Space stands for high quality products and experienced and passionate people. Since July 2006, Dutch Space is fully owned by EADS Astrium, and operating as a subsidiary within Astrium Satellites’ Business Division Subsystems and Equipments. The company, originally started in 1968 as a member of the Fokker group, was established as an independent company in 1995, and has nowadays about 210 employees. Main activities are in the field of Solar Arrays, Launcher Structures, Verification & Simulation, Descent & Landing, and Instruments. Dutch Space has a vast reputation in Europe and beyond with regard to its Solar Array capabilities. The solar array program experience ranges from science to earth observation to telecommunication and deep space applications. Dutch Space is a leading solar array manufacturer for spacecraft which is clearly demonstrated through a 100 % successful deployment score for all 60 launches! Since the early days Dutch Space is contributing to the success of the European launcher Ariane through a close involvement in the Ariane launcher development and production program (in cooperation with Stork Fokker). For Ariane 1 through 4, Dutch Space was responsible for the design, analyses and manufacture of different components and structures like the third engine frame. For Ariane 5 the Dutch Space responsibility covers the very complex and innovative large Engine Frame of the Vulcain motor as well as the engine frame of the second stage. Several flight sets have been ordered (of which 50 were delivered by mid 2008) while a new contract for another 35 sets will be awarded in the course of 2008. Dutch Space is also involved in the new European small launcher development Vega, being responsible for development and production of the interstage 1-2. In preparation of future reusable space transportation systems, Dutch Space has been working on the design and development of hot control surfaces and thermal protection systems. In the field of Instruments for Science, Earth Observation and Exploration Dutch Space is co-operating intensively with its Dutch partners SRON and TNO, as well as with KNMI, the Dutch meteorological institute. In the field of Earth Observation instruments, Dutch Space has gained considerable experience due to its leading role for Sciamachy, a world-class trace-gas monitoring system flying on Envisat. The first derivative was the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) which has successfully been operating on the NASA platform Aura, since 2004. Building on this heritage and world class reputation Dutch Space and its instrument partners are now heavily involved in the preparation of a Dutch led TROPOMI instrument mission (as part of Sentinel 5 Precursor) for climate research and atmospheric monitoring. Over the past decade Dutch Space has become a specialist in advanced robotics technology through its role as prime contractor for the development, production and support of the ERA (European Robotic Arm), an 11 meter long, stand-alone space robot which is to be operated in space as part of the International Space Station (ISS). Dutch Space has delivered simulation systems for a number of customers within the space community, but also for non-space application, including Training Simulators. In particular, the expertise in real-time simulation has been made accessible to the industry via the EuroSim software package. Dutch Space is currently paving the way to position itself as a satellite platform integrator through a prime role in CX2, the small innovative spacecraft for geostationary and deep space missions. Technology transfer to markets outside the Space perimeter is applied in for example descent & landing systems and embedded training systems for terrestrial or military applications (specific examples are the Embedded Training system for the Joint Strike Force (JSF), Smart Parafoil Delivery System (SPADES)), and contributions to the ITER fusion reactor program. In other words, at Dutch Space you can expect Impassioned Ideas & Sensible Solutions!
- 16055, Space Center Boulevard, Suite 480Houston, 77062United States+1 (281) 461 8409+1 (281) 461 9158Astrium North America is a U.S. based company and specialized provider of program and project management services; software engineering and integration; hardware integration and operations; payload and cargo processing; flight simulation and training for the international aerospace community. With unique relationships and worldwide collaborations with the industry’s leading government and commercial spaceflight organizations, Astrium North America is a key participant in the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. Astrium North America is an independent subsidiary of Astrium Space Transportation and a recognized supplier of exceptional quality and high-value engineering, hardware and software development, and logistics capabilities.
- Praha 1, Revoluční 763/15, PSÄŒPrague, 110 00Czech Republic+420 222535515/6+420 222535517The Astrium Czech Republic s.r.o. company was founded in September 2010, with offices in the Czech Republic’s capital Prague. The aim of its creation was primarily to provide a focus for representation of one of ESA’s major prime contractors in the political heart of a new ESA member state (the Czech Republic obtained full ESA membership status in 2008), and to support Czech national institutions in the scientific and industrial sectors to quickly grow into the role of experienced partners for the principal European space players in ESA projects. The foundation of Astrium Czech Republic s.r.o. is part of the ‘Astrium Central Europe’ (ACE) initiative, launched in 2008, a key pillar in Astrium’s strategy of cooperating with the new European Union states in central Europe which are seeking to develop their space industries and establish a closer relationship with ESA, notably as European Cooperating States (ECSs). Despite its small size and recent foundation, Astrium Czech Republic s.r.o. draws on over 30 years’ solid experience in space activities, both at European (ESA and EU) and national level (e.g. in activities for national agencies or national ministries). It is fully supported by Astrium entities in France, Germany, the UK and Spain, experts from all of which are available to provide expertise and technical assistance to the Czech business.
- Bartycka 18AWarszawa, 00-716Poland+22 48 840 01 98Astri Polska (APL), based in Warsaw, is a joint venture between Astrium and the chief Polish research institution, the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences. It was established in September 2010. Its mission is to promote and develop space applications and the Polish space industry in cooperation with major Polish space stakeholders including public and private space-specialised organisations. Under contracts from European organisations including the European Space Agency (ESA), APL runs space technology and application projects and serves as a platform for information exchange and collaboration facilitation for national space-related scientific and industrial partner institutions. The company’s fields of specialisation include electronics, optoelectronics, GNSS and Earth observation applications, telecommunications, robotics, material science and space surveillance. A key focus for the joint venture is developing tailored satellite applications for end users, particularly in the areas of disaster management and security. The company is currently involved in organising demonstrations of new technologies in real environments in these sectors. One of APL’s main goals is to assist remote-sensing and satcom SMEs to develop innovative applications. The company is strongly focused on enhancing its expertise in technical R&D areas. Since its foundation, APL has already been involved in three Space & Security projects under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and several European consortia for new project applications. New opportunities jointly under investigation include critical technologies, composites, and Marie Curie academic networks (ITN). The foundation of APL is part of the ‘Astrium Central Europe’ (ACE) initiative, launched in 2008, a key pillar in Astrium’s strategy of cooperating with the new European Union states in central Europe which are seeking to develop their space industries and establish a closer relationship with ESA, notably as European Cooperating States (ECSs).