Marco Fuchs (left), Karim Michel Sabbagh (middle) and Johann-Dietrich Worner (right) after the joint signature. Photo: OHB

[Via Satellite 03-14-2016] The European Space Agency (ESA), SES, and OHB have initiated the next phase of the development of a new-generation satellite program called Electra, originally launched in 2013. The Electra program is based on the SmallGEO range, an ESA and German Aerospace Center (DLR)-funded project with the objective of developing a general-purpose small geostationary satellite platform. Through the program, OHB is to develop a fully electric satellite platform to reduce mass and launch costs.

The contract is an element of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program, which calls for the development of a highly competitive generic small geostationary platform for satellite launch mass below 3 tons. This contract foresees the launch of an Electra satellite and its in-orbit qualification. Under the ESA contract, SES will define the satellite mission and lead the procurement phase. To this end, SES will work in close cooperation with OHB System AG, which will act as the prime contractor to SES.