The test demonstrates the ability of the satellite to withstand the strong shaking that occurs during launch. The project partners – ESA, Thales Alenia Space, CNES and Eutelsat – were very pleased by the performance achieved.
While the satellite will continue to be prepared for delivery to the launch site, the data from this test campaign will be used to validate the product line in readiness for a qualification review to be held later this year.
François Balme, ESA system manager, said, "Despite exposure to the most extreme mechanical loads, the first Spacebus Neo has performed fantastically – as have the teams in Cannes who have performed this critical test campaign in record time."
Now that the environmental tests are over, the satellite will undergo a thorough verification before it is finally prepared for launch.
ESA Partnership Projects allow European industry to maintain and continue developing their competitiveness on the worldwide commercial market and enable greater risk sharing, where ESA bears the risks related to the development of innovative solutions and the partner assumes the commercial risks to respond to market needs.
The Neosat program comprises both Spacebus Neo by Thales Alenia Space and Eurostar Neo by Airbus. It includes development up to in-orbit validation of the new satellite product lines for both companies, allowing European industry to deliver competitive satellites for the global commercial market.
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