RUAG Space’s Vienna location won an order from US satellite manufacturer Northrop Grumman ISS International Inc. to design and supply 2 mobile satellite integration platforms, known as trolleys.

Mobile satellite integration platforms are known as trolleys and they make it possible to tilt and turn satellites weighing several tons. This ease of movement means satellites can be tilted and turned into whatever position is required for all the various items of work carried out on them during the integration phase. Bespoke motorized mechanical structures are used to move the satellites, which can be several meters tall. Depending on the combined weight of the trolley and satellite, the integration platform can be moved around the testing and integration hall either using steerable wheels or, for greater overall weights, with the aid of air cushions. The two trolleys that are destined for Northrop Grumman are 6.4m long, just under 3m wide, and weigh 15 metric tons each.

RUAG Space first entered the US market for designing, building and supplying satellite ground equipment over 10 years ago. To-date, the company has successfully delivered more than a dozen trolleys and transport containers for satellites of various sizes to 2 large US satellite manufacturers.