Invotec PCBs enhance sophistication of Alphasat
Allied to the platform's smart 11m by 13m antenna system, the processor system can channel significant bandwidth and power, enabling a wide range of high data, mobile user applications for aeronautical, land and maritime markets.
For Invotec Group, this launch represents the successful culmination of a four year development phase with Astrium. There are eight integrated processors within the satellite. The highly complex suite of PCBs are all advanced material, backplane sized, high layer count, multiple bonded, mixed finish, flex rigid HDI structures which are proven technologies for Invotec Group.
Chris Haley, operations manager at Invotec Group’s Tamworth facility, said: “We are delighted to be able to play our part in this launch. We have developed a strong working partnership with Astrium over the past eight years and we’re involved in a number of programmes which involve working with Astrium sites across Europe. The launch of Alphasat represents a key milestone in our relationship and we’re looking forward to developing it further in the future.”
Alphasat was successfully launched using Ariane 5 from Kourou, French Guiana, for the 56th time in a row, on 25th July, again confirming the reliability of the European launcher developed and built by Astrium. For this launch Astrium was also the prime contractor of Inmarsat's latest satellite Alphasat, the world’s most sophisticated commercial telecommunications satellite.
