[SatNews] ..."platforms will be more robust, more modular, more powerful and lighter, to perfectly meet operators' expectations for competitiveness, flexibility and multi-launcher compatibility."

Thales Alenia Space is upgrading and expanding its range of Spacebus geostationary telecommunications satellites. With 80 orders recorded to date and over 500 years of cumulated service in orbit, Spacebus platforms have proven performance. They are available in versions with both chemical and hybrid propulsion subsystems.

Thales Alenia Space is now developing this family to address future market needs capitalizing on the strong heritage from Spacebus, with the Avionics 4000 in particular, and from Alphabus, while also incorporating an optimized mechanical architecture to offer a product with guaranteed long-term viability. These new platforms, designated Spacebus NEO, will offer state-of-the-art technologies and will be available in various propulsion versions, including an all-electric one. The all-electric Spacebus NEO, capable of carrying payloads weighing over 1,400 kg, and with power exceeding 16 kW, will be available starting in mid-2015.

Satellite Apstar VI, a Spacebus 4000C2

The new Spacebus NEO range will be available in a variety of versions for all types of geostationary satellites, from small to extra-large. Operators will be able to choose the configuration that best meets their needs, with all-electric, hybrid or all-chemical propulsion. Starting in 2016, these platforms will be able to handle payloads up to 2,000 kg, with record power of 20 kW.  

"We have constantly enhanced the performance of Spacebus platforms over the years, as proven by their outstanding heritage," noted Bertrand Maureau, Vice President for Telecommunications at Thales Alenia Space. "Today, we are delighted to be introducing this new range. Spacebus NEO platforms will be more robust, more modular, more powerful and lighter, to perfectly meet operators' expectations for competitiveness, flexibility and multi-launcher compatibility.

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67 percent) and Finmeccanica (33 percent), is a key European player in space telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies' “Space Alliance”, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues in excess of 2 billion euros in 2013, and has 7,500 employees in six countries you can learn more here.