Airbus Defence and Space, number two worldwide in space technologies, has been awarded the phase B contract for initial design work on the European Space Agency (ESA) next-generation satellite platforms.

The contract, in conjunction with Thales Alenia Space (TAS), is worth 18.2 million Euros.

The new platform of Airbus Defence and Space will be designed for telecommunications satellites of between three and six tonnes. Lighter and smaller than the current platforms, it will feature an all-electric version and, in response to customer requirements, will also be available with a chemical propulsion system.

This next generation Airbus Defence and Space platform is expected to enter into service in 2019 as the subsequent Phase-C/D will start in 2015 for the development and manufacture of the first two prototype flight platforms.

The development of Neosat comes after the ESA Ministerial Council meeting approved the Neosat programme as part of the ARTES 14 programme for next-generation telecom satellite platforms. ESA member states have since approved a budget of 260 million Euros for the European programme, which is now receiving significant backing from the French and British space agencies. The programme began in 2011, with the French government providing support through the Future Investment Plan (PIA).

The contract comes 10 years after the launch of the first Eurostar E3000; since then, 31 satellites have been launched, all of them achieving 100% operational service in orbit.

Airbus Defence and Space has also won a contract with SES one of the world’s leading satellite operators, for the design and construction of the latest addition to its fleet, the SES-10. The new satellite will be based on the ultra-reliable Eurostar E3000 platform from Airbus Defence and Space.

SES-10 will be placed in geostationary orbit at 67° West, where it will provide SES with additional capacity for direct-to-home TV broadcasting and other telecommunication services for Mexico, Caribbean, Central America and South America. It will carry a payload of 50 high-power Ku-band transponders.

SES-10 will be equipped with a dual chemical and electrical propulsion system. At launch, it will have a mass of 5,300 kg and an electrical power of 13 kW. The satellite will also be equipped with flexible, frequency-agile remote-control receivers, making for a more robust satellite operations ground control link. It is designed for a nominal in-orbit life of more than 15 years.

SES-10 is the 10th satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space to use electrical propulsion for station-keeping.