SES, ESA, OHB reveal plans for fully electric satellite platform

SES, ESA, OHB reveal plans for fully electric satellite platform

   Editor
   | 13 March 2016

Leading satellite operator SES has signed contracts with space company OHB and the European Space Agency (ESA) for the next development phase of a new-generation satellite programme.


The Electra programme is based on the SmallGEO range, an ESA and German Aerospace Centre (DLR) funded project with the objective to develop a general purpose small geostationary satellite platform.

The contract signed is an element of ESA's ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programme. It calls for the development of a generic small geostationary platform for satellite launch mass below 3 tonnes. In 2013, SES signed a first private public partnership with the ESA and OHB to support these goals.

Under ESA contract, SES will define the satellite mission and lead the procurement phase. To this end, SES will work in close co-operation with OHB, which will act as its prime contractor.

“Decreasing the total cost of putting a payload into orbit and increasing the range of possible applications is a key strategic element for the satellite operator community," said SES CTO Martin Halliwell.

“Electric propulsion is poised to inject increased competitiveness into the satellite industry, an essential element for the sustained development of the satellite-based commercial telecommunications market.”