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Update: Airbus To Supply 200+ Sparkwing Solar Arrays to Telesat’s LEO Constellation

ByLisa Luckas

09/16/2024
MDA Space orders over 200 Sparkwing solar arrays from Airbus
  • Airbus to supply over 200 Sparkwing solar arrays for MDA Space’s AURORATM satellite line, supporting Telesat’s LEO constellation, Lightspeed.

Mon Sep 16 17:05:27 -2024 UTC– Airbus chosen by MDA Space to provide 200+ Sparkwing solar arrays for MDA AURORATM Supply Chain, supporting Telesat Lightspeed satellite constellation project. Airbus to manufacture solar arrays in the Netherlands for enhanced space connectivity.

  • Airbus will deliver Sparkwing solar arrays for MDA AURORA™ satellites.
  • More than 200 solar arrays to be produced at Airbus’ Leiden facility.
  • Solar arrays to support Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO constellation.

Airbus has been selected by MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) to supply more than 200 Sparkwing solar arrays for its MDA AURORA satellite product line. These solar arrays will be manufactured at Airbus’ high-capacity production facility in Leiden, the Netherlands. This project marks the largest Sparkwing solar arrays to date, featuring two wings with five panels each, covering over 30 square meters of photovoltaic area.

Global Communication Networks

These solar arrays will play a critical role in the MDA AURORA supply chain, supporting deliveries for Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Lightspeed. The constellation aims to extend global communication networks, offering enterprise-class connectivity worldwide.

Netherlands Space Office and ESA

Sparkwing, developed by Airbus in collaboration with the Netherlands Space Office and ESA, is the first commercially available off-the-shelf solar array designed for small satellites. Originally optimized for LEO missions requiring power levels between 100W and 2000W, Sparkwing’s capabilities have expanded to meet higher power demands and larger panel requirements for LEO and beyond.

This agreement strengthens Airbus’ role in advancing satellite technology and highlights the growing demand for innovative solutions in the global space industry.

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ByLisa Luckas

Lisa Luckas is a Sr. Business News Editor at Nobot.News.

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