Eutelsat Quantum, the first reprogrammable Tlc satellite, is in orbit

The first European satellite for fully reprogrammable telecommunications while working in space is in orbit. Developed as part of an ESA partnership project with satellite operator Eutelsat and leading manufacturer Airbus, the Eutelsat Quantum satellite paved the way for a new generation of ‘machines’ with the European space industry. Flexible software-defined, the Quantum satellite will be used by governments and in the mobility and data markets, and was launched aboard an Ariane 5 from the European spaceport in French Guiana. ESA confirms that since launch, which took place on July 30 local time, Quantum has reached geostationary orbit about 36,000 kilometers above the Earth, where the control of the spacecraft systems has been successfully completed. The European Space Agency explains that since the satellite can be reprogrammed in orbit thus responding to the changing needs of users throughout its entire life. Its beams can be redirected to move in near real time with the aim of providing information to passengers aboard moving ships, airplanes, trucks and other means of land transport. The radii can also be easily adjusted to provide more data based on the increase in demand. ESA also ensures that the satellite is able to detect and characterize any anomalous emission, allowing it to dynamically respond to accidental interference or intentional disturbances. Eutelsat Quantum will remain in geostationary orbit for its 15 years of life, after which it will be safely placed in a cemetery orbit away from Earth to avoid becoming a risk to other satellites. Eutelsat Quantum is a UK flagship project with most of the satellite developed and manufactured by UK industry. Airbus is the prime contractor and was responsible for building the satellite’s innovative payload, while Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd produced the new platform. The innovative phase array antenna was developed by Airbus in Spain. Esa partnership projects develop sustainable end-to-end systems, up to validation in orbit. UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway stressed that “by investing in innovative international projects like this, we are helping UK companies to turn science fiction into business advantage, resulting in jobs, growth and innovation.” Elodie Viau, ESA’s Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications said she was “proud to witness the successful launch of Eutelsat Quantum which is the result of an ESA partnership project. The European Space Agency, commented Viau again. , “fosters innovation in the space industry in the UK and Europe and Canada, enabling it to succeed in highly competitive global telecommunications markets.” “Investing in space creates jobs and prosperity on Earth,” he punctuated. ” The Eutelsat Quantum program presented many challenges for Sstl to overcome while developing the satellite system design, mechanical design, propulsion system and key subsystems within the satellite platform, “said Ben Stocker, Project Director at Surrey Satellite Technology. “The skills and knowledge gained by successfully overcoming these challenges,” he explained ato Stocker – have enabled us to refine our engineering approach, particularly for markets and applications where system reliability and availability are key requirements and, with continued support from the British Space Agency and ESA, has put us in a very strong position to complete our exciting upcoming explorer missions. ”