Dublin-based Realtra built two key technologies for the French-designed rocket: a video telemetry system and a global navigation satellite system.
The Ariane 6 rocket, equipped with technology developed by Irish space technology company Realtra, is due to launch later today (July 9).
The Ariane 6 rocket, designed and built by French aerospace company Arianegroup on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), is due to lift off from the European Spaceport in French Guiana between 7pm and 11pm Irish time.
Although the maiden launch will primarily be a demonstration flight, Ariane 6 will carry satellites, deployables and experiments from companies, research institutes, universities, young experts and space agencies, as well as several CubeSats and payloads that will remain attached to the rocket’s upper stage.
Dublin-based Realtra provided two key technologies for the rocket: the Video Telemetry System (VIKI) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
VIKI will provide live HD video telemetry imagery during all phases of the launch mission from six cameras on board Ariane 6. Réaltra previously designed and manufactured the video system onboard the Ariane 5 launch vehicle for the James Webb Space Telescope.
GNSS systems, on the other hand, leverage advanced satellite navigation technology to use sensors to collect and transmit data from remote locations to deliver precise position, velocity and timing measurements. The system will fly as an autonomous experimental system on the first Ariane 6 launch to validate GNSS capabilities at high speeds in space.
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins, praised Enterprise Ireland for the key role it has played in connecting Ireland’s space industry and research community to participate in ESA programmes such as Ariane 6.
“We are extremely proud of Irish company Realtra’s contribution to this pioneering new European rocket, Ariane 6,” Mr Higgins said.
“Working in space requires the highest levels of engineering and manufacturing standards and skills. The adoption of Realtra’s technology on Ariane 6 is testament to the company’s market-leading expertise and serves as an inspiration to other Irish companies in the highly specialised space market.”
French ambassador to Ireland Vincent Guérin said relations between France and Ireland had reached a “whole new dimension” when it came to space.
“France’s ambitions are supported by joint European projects that bring together researchers, emerging industry leaders and established players in the space industry,” said Guérin. “The cooperation between Arianegroup and Realtra Space Systems reflects the potential of French-Irish relations in what is fast becoming an important area of strategic cooperation.”
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