Jay Clemens
Thales’ Alenia Space Belgium subsidiary has been selected to develop the electronic control power system for the European Space Agency’s launch vehicle.
Astrium, prime contractor for the Ariane 5 Midlife Evolution launch system, awarded the contract to Thales Alenia Space Belgium for the upgrade of the upper-stage Vinci engine steering system, Thales Group said Monday.
Thales Alenia Space will also work to modernize the launcher’s power distribution system.
The Ariane 5 ME is built with multiple restart capabilities for the launcher’s satellite orbital positioning and is scheduled for flight in 2018.
Thales Alenia Space Belgium has been developing a total of 21 components for each Ariane 5 ME, the company says.
The two companies have been partnering on various projects for the past 40 years.
