Orbital Sciences has begun to integrate payloads for Iridium Communications‘ NEXT satellite constellation at an Orbital-run facility in Gilbert, Az. Orbital is responsible for assembling and testing NEXT low-earth-orbit satellites under an agreement signed with Thales Alenia Space, the project’s prime contractor, Orbital said Thursday. Under that contract, Orbital will deliver 66 satellite platforms, nine […] More

Thales Alenia Space has developed simulation systems that will be used by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. in the testing phase of communications satellites for Iridium Communications‘ next-generation constellation. SpaceX was chosen to help launch Iridium NEXT satellites into space with a Falcon9 rocket under a $453.1 million contract between both companies, Iridium said Tuesday. “With […] More

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. […] More