Artist rendition of Ariane 64. Photo: ESA

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with ArianeGroup — prime contractor and design authority of the upcoming Ariane 6 rocket — to design, develop, qualify and manufacture the telemetry transmitter of the new European launch vehicle. The telemetry transmitter is responsible for transmitting to the ground the data generated by the launcher throughout the whole mission.

This is Thales Alenia Space’s first contract in Spain in the launchers segment. After three decades of activity in the space sector, participating in more than 400 satellites, probes and spacecraft put into orbit, the company expands its product portfolio in Spain into the field of space communications.

The development of Ariane 6 was approved at the European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council in December 2014 to ensure that Europe maintains its leadership in the fast-changing commercial launch market, while also addressing requirements for European governmental missions. The launcher will be developed in two versions: Ariane 62, with two solid propellant strap-on boosters, and Ariane 64, with four solid-propellant strap-on boosters. The maiden launch of Ariane 6 is planned in 2020.

Thales Alenia Space has contributed to the European launcher industry over the last 40 years as a key supplier of numerous electronic systems developed by the company in Belgium for the entire family of Ariane (Ariane 1 to Ariane 6), Vega and Soyuz launchers.