Launching to Space
Prisma Electronics will play a crucial role in the new ESA-funded program aimed to design and produce a PPU (Power Processing Unit) for use in space satellites systems that will pool the talent and resources of Greek, Italian companies and research centers.
Prisma Electronics will play a crucial role in the new ESA-funded program aimed to design and produce a PPU (Power Processing Unit) for use in space satellites systems that will pool the talent and resources of Greek, Italian companies and research centers.
Prisma Electronics, as a subcontractor for lead partner Alta (Italy), will supervise the design and delivery of prototypes, in conjunction with 2 more Greek companies, Inasco and Sitael Hellas in a program which is expected to last 33 months. Of the 11 million euros budgeted for the project, Greek companies expect to receive a 4 million euro share for their substantial role in design and production.
"The system architecture has been designed, and the workflow organized and distributed throughout the consortium," said Mr. Petros Soukoulias, Prisma Scientific Council Chairman and MEPS project coordinator. The ambitious and innovative plan will result in a drastic weight-reduction for small satellites, which currently average approximately 150 pounds. The projected loss of 10-25 pounds "means they can be used at a lower cost for surface surveillance purposes on land, and better collection of information on agricultural crops, water management, climate conditions, and defense" explains Mr. Soukoulias.
"Prisma Electronics' role in coordinating its implementation means we are responsible for completing and delivering the prototypes to the Italians, who will incorporate them into their own piece of microsatellite. Prisma will utilize a purpose-built Clean Room, and electronics assembly spacer in our Alexandroupolis premises to facilitate test environments that will simulate the conditions of space."
As reported in the newspaper To Vima, Mr. Thanasis Potsis (President of the Greek Union of Industries of Space Technology and Applications 'EVIDITE') explained this is a huge success for Greece, resulting from more than two years of hard work.
"For the first time in Greece we have created a standardized environment, which can produce certified electronic systems for use in space," says Mr. Potsis. The first application, he says, will be the motor control systems' PPUs, and MEPSs (microsatellite electric propulsion systems).
The agreement is significant, as it provides an auspicious opening for Greek aerospace companies to the space market. In addition to access to the international aerospace arena, the Greek space and technology sector should see long-term positive impact from the associated knowledge and technology transfer.