Both contracts definitively consolidate Saft's position as a world leader in the design and supply of high-tech batteries for aerospace applications. For the Iridium NEXT LEO satellite constellation, Saft will supply 81 onboard battery systems for a project scheduled for launch in 2015. Meanwhile, the contract for the Spacebus platform represents the fiftieth battery module supplied by the French multinational to Thales Alenia Space. Following the success of its initial installation on Syracuse IIIA, this new battery module will be installed inside the GEO Spacebus satellite and integrated into at least eight missions planned for the near future.
“These important contracts represent a significant step forward in Saft’s strategy to establish a leading market position in the LEO and GEO satellite sector, building a solid reputation for providing reliable, high-performance batteries for space infrastructure and vehicles. Furthermore, these agreements also strengthen our excellent relationship with Thales Alenia Space, which we have cultivated through our collaboration on platforms such as the Proteus Leo,” says Philippe Jehanno, Managing Director of Saft’s Aerospace and Defense Division. Jehanno adds that the contract to supply batteries for Iridium NEXT “allows us to further develop our manufacturing infrastructure, implementing a more mass-production-oriented approach.”.
