Small GEO prior to lifting it out of its container. Small GEO is a general-purpose small geostationary satellite platform that is giving European industry the opportunity to play a significant role in the commercial telecom market.
Credits: ESA–R. Gruenagel
In the “grand finale” of the PRISMA mission, the mother satellite Mango will be leaving the daughter satellite Tango to travel to another position in space for approximately one and-a-half years. Once in its new position, Mango will be exploring previously unknown aspects that relate to future efforts to reduce the volume of space refuse.
Regarding the SmallGEO platform—it is being developed through a public–private partnership, which is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) new method of working with the space telecommunications industry. The ESA is focusing its support on research and development activities through its ARTES telecommunications program, while industrial partners, led by Germany’s OHB System, finance a substantial part of the development costs.
Small GEO’s first use is for Spanish operator Hispasat‘s Advanced Generation 1 satellite, expected to launch in 2014. Hispasat will merge Hispasat-AG1 into its existing fleet of communications satellites. OHB System will be responsible for assembling the satellite, testing it in orbit and early operations.
