UK secures multimillion satellite investment deal
November 19, 2018
A multi-million-pound deal by satellite operator Eutelsat Communications and aerospace manufacturer Airbus Defence and Space for two new communication satellites will see components and major parts assembled in the UK before final assembly is completed in Toulouse, France. The deal is seen as a huge vote of confidence in the UK expertise in the space industry, benefitting 500 high skilled workers involved in Eutelsat projects.
The new investment means Airbus sites in the UK towns of Portsmouth and Stevenage will manufacture key components of the two new satellites for Eutelsat, which will feature a brand-new electric platform to bring down size and cost, while boosting performance.
Eutelsat is to replace its three existing satellites with two new ones set to launch in 2021. The announcement means that six out of seven of the company’s next satellites will be partially built in Britain, representing inward investment of up to €40 million per year.
“This investment is a significant vote of confidence for the UK’s world leading space industry,” declared Business Secretary Greg Clark. “The UK is already a world-leader in developing satellite technology, with a 40 per cent share of the global export market of small satellites and building major parts for one in four of the world’s commercial telecommunications satellites. This new deal builds on the recent announcement, as part of our Industrial Strategy, that the UK is investing in, and building, its first proposed spaceport in Sutherland. The Spaceport will further develop our expertise and capabilities in the space sector enabling us to launch small satellites.”
“Through our Modern Industrial Strategy, we are increasing the R&D budget to its highest level ever, building on our commitment to this sector and our world leading science base. This deal demonstrates that science and innovation has no borders.”
UK expertise has contributed significantly to the build of 23 of Eutelsat’s 38 satellites currently in orbit.
“I am delighted to sign this agreement with Airbus to build two new state-of-the-art satellites, cementing the long-standing partnership between our two companies,” commented Eutelsat CEO Rodolphe Belmer.
“The agreement will see the manufacture of key parts of the new satellites at Airbus’s facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth. These satellites will renew the in-orbit assets at HOT BIRD, Eutelsat’s largest video hotspot, ensuring our continued support to global broadcasters in delivering high quality video content and services throughout the UK and Europe.”
“We are impressed with the ongoing expansion of the UK space sector, particularly its growing industrial capabilities and development of cutting-edge technology, and we will continue to rely on the UK’s ability to build and deliver world-leading spacecraft.
“I am grateful for the support of the UK government and UK Space Agency, both of whom recognise the strong commitment Eutelsat has made to the UK over many years.”
The Airbus UK facilities in Portsmouth and Stevenage will build the entire communications payload, platform structure, propulsion subsystem, antennas and various mechanisms for the satellites. Airbus employs over 3,000 space engineers in the UK.
“Airbus’s telecommunication satellite technology developed in the UK has been key to this significant contract win,” noted Colin Paynter, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK. “UK Space Agency support for the ESA ARTES programme has enabled Airbus in the UK to develop world–leading technology for the world’s leading satellite operators.”