Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • SEOSAT/Ingenio ready for testing

Space

SEOSAT/Ingenio ready for testing

Airbus built SEOSAT/Ingenio, the first Earth observation satellite for the European Space Agency (ESA) and Spanish government has left Madrid and is ready for final testing.


Copyright Airbus

 
The spacecraft will now start a three month environmental test campaign which includes the Thermal Balance and Vacuum test, followed by Mechanical Vibration, Acoustic and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing. Fifty engineers and technicians from Airbus Spain will carry out all the different tests at Airbus in Toulouse.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

 
SEOSAT/Ingenio will be transported back to the Madrid-Barajas site in mid-September where the last functional tests will be carried out. The compatibility with the ground segment and the launcher will also be verified. Once these are complete, the Qualification Acceptance Review will take place, which is the final ESA milestone and the satellite will be ready to be launched.
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

The launch is scheduled for the first half of 2020 onboard a Vega launcher from Kourou, French Guiana.
 
Once in orbit, SEOSAT/Ingenio will complete Spain’s Earth observation system, complemented by the PAZ satellite already in orbit since February 2018. Together, they will provide combined radar and optical images.

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Rhopoint showcasing product range at Space-Comm Expo Europe 2026

Space Events

Rhopoint showcasing product range at Space-Comm Expo Europe 2026

16 February 2026

East Grinstead based Rhopoint Components, a specialist design-led distributor of precision electronic components, sensors, connectors and modular systems, together with their strategic partner ISOCOM, will be showcasing a range of solutions at Space-Comm Expo Europe, being held at the ExCeL, London, on 4th – 5th March 2026.

UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

Space

UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

12 February 2026

The UK Space Agency is launching Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid placements across the UK space sector to give young people hands-on experience and industry exposure.

Orbex set to appoint administrators

Space

Orbex set to appoint administrators

11 February 2026

The UK home-grown orbital launch services company and space rocket manufacturer, Orbex, is in the process of appointing administrators after fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities all concluded unsuccessfully.

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

9 February 2026

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the UK Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

Space

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

9 February 2026

The UK Space Agency has awarded contracts to three UK companies to investigate producing advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit, where the conditions – including microgravity, natural vacuum and extreme temperatures – can create products that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

9 February 2026

To coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February), one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has analysed Censuswide’s survey of the latest attitudes of young people and parents.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB