Tessella wins AOCS contract for ESA's Solar Orbiter mission
Above:
Artist's concept of the Solar Orbiter viewing the sun.
Credit: ESA.
Solar Orbiter will send a spacecraft to monitor and observe the Sun using a suite of advanced scientific instruments at a proximity never before achieved. Scientists hope to learn more about our home star and in doing so usher in the next era of solar science.
The vantage point offered by the mission’s trajectory will be unique: encompassing both near Sun and high latitude views. A combination of remote sensing and in situ measurements promise to revolutionise our understanding of the Sun.
A team consisting of OHB Sweden, a Swedish provider of space systems, and Tessella will develop the AOCS for Astrium UK, the prime contractor for the Solar Orbiter mission.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “Tessella is an important part of the UK space industrial base and the win demonstrates how UK SMEs can generate world leading scientific and economic growth”
David Whittle, sector director for Government, space and defence at Tessella said: “We are pleased to be chosen for this influential project. It demonstrates our ability to deliver value to our clients with our long experience in AOCS design.”
Alan Gaby, managing director of Tessella said: “This is a tremendous win for Tessella and for the UK Space Industry. The project will be Tessella’s largest ever contract, underlines Tessella’s leading edge scientific skills and will fuel Tessella’s expansion through increased recruitment.”
