US-based rocket propulsion specialist Aerojet is to form a 100% owned European subsidiary that will target the European satellite manufacturing sector.
The new company, European Space Propulsion, is currently in the final stages of planning with…
US-based rocket propulsion specialist Aerojet is to form a 100% owned European subsidiary that will target the European satellite manufacturing sector.
The new company, European Space Propulsion, is currently in the final stages of planning with commercial services expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.
On 9 July, Aerojet signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Northern Ireland-based Thales Air Defense Limited, a UK subsidiary of European aerospace and defence giant Thales. Under the deal, Thales will effectively act as the strategic supplier to Aerojet providing manufacturing, assembly and test capabilities. Engineering support services will be provided by Aerojet’s Washington operations.
Julie Van Kleeck, vice president of Aerojet’s space and launch systems, told SatelliteFinance that the agreement with Thales does not contain any exclusivity clauses and that European Space Propulsion will aim to sign deals with all the major European satellite developers, including Thales Alenia Space and EADS Astrium.
She added that the subsidiary will be financed entirely via the parent company. Aerojet is itself owned by Gen Corp, the California based group that focuses on aerospace and defence as well as real estate.
Founded in 1942, Aerojet has developed rocket propulsion engines for both the Apollo and Gemini space missions and more recently for the space shuttle. In 2001, Aerojet sold its space electronics division to focus on its core propulsion business. This subsequently led it to acquire General Dynamics’ Space Systems unit for US$90m in 2002. Aerojet’s electric propulsion products are currently aboard more than 150 operational satellites.
Back in mid-2011, Aerojet entered into a joint agreement with EADS Astrium Crisa and QinetiQ to supply the XENITH (Xenon Ion Thruster) ion propulsion system to the global commercial spacecraft market.
