Charleroi, November 8, 2017 - Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with SABCA, prime contractor for the three Thrust Vector Actuation Systems (TVAS) on the new Ariane 6 launcher, to develop and supply control electronics for nozzle steering. ArianeGroup is prime contractor for Ariane 6 on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). This latest contract follows another already signed with ArianeGroup that places Thales Alenia Space in charge of developing the Ariane 6 range safeguard system.
Through its contract with SABCA, Thales Alenia Space will develop electronics for the following:
- Solid Thrust Vector Actuation Subsystem (S-TVAS) for the P120C solid rocket boosters. The twin-booster Ariane 62 version of the launcher will have two S-TVAS units, while the four-booster Ariane 64 will have four of these units.
- Lower-Liquid Thrust Vector Actuation Subsystem (LL-TVAS), for the cryogenic stage.
- Upper-Liquid Thrust Vector Actuation Subsystem (UL-TVAS), for the reignitable cryogenic upper stage.
“Thales Alenia Space is delighted to have contributed to the storied Ariane program for over 40 years now, continuing with the contract signed today”, said Emmanuel Terrasse, Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space in Belgium. “This contract win is the result of a collaborative effort by Belgian industry, plus the ongoing support of public authorities at both the federal level, with organizations such as Belspo that actively support the development of new technologies and products, and at the regional level, through support for the installation of innovative test and production facilities.”
The development of Ariane 6 was approved by the ESA Council in December 2014 to ensure that Europe maintains its leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch market, while also addressing requirements for European governmental missions. The launcher will be developed in two versions: Ariane 62, with two solid propellant strap-on boosters and Ariane 64, with four solid-propellant strap-on boosters. The first Ariane 6 launch is expected in 2020.
About Thales Alenia Space
Combining 40 years of experience and a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, Thales Alenia Space architects design and deliver high technology solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments, institutions and companies rely on Thales Alenia Space to design, operate and deliver satellite-based systems that help them position and connect anyone or anything, everywhere, help observe our planet, help optimize the use of our planet's – and our solar system’s – resources. Thales Alenia Space believes in space as humankind’s new horizon, which will enable to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of about 2.4 billion euros in 2016 and has 7,980 employees in nine countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com
Thales Alenia Space Press Contacts:
Sandrine Bielecki
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94
sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com
Chrystelle Dugimont
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 92 74 06
chrystelle.dugimont@thalesaleniaspace.com
Cinzia Marcanio
Tel: +39 06 41512685
cinzia.marcanio@thalesaleniaspace.com