Airbus announced that it has been chosen to supply solar arrays for MDA AURORATM, the software-defined satellite product line that enables constellations to extend communication networks to every corner of the globe, by MDA Space, a leading provider of cutting-edge technology and services to the rapidly growing global space industry.
In the high-capacity production plant located in Leiden, the Netherlands, Airbus will supply over 200 Sparkwing solar arrays, which will be constructed on a dedicated line. With two wings and five panels apiece, the solar array is the biggest Sparkwing to date, covering well over 30 square meters in photovoltaic space. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation Lightspeed, a Telesat anchor client, will benefit from product deliveries supported by the MDA AURORATM supply chain.
According to Rob Postma, Managing Director of Airbus Netherlands, “We are delighted to have been chosen as the supplier of solar arrays for MDA Space’s Telesat Lightspeed project.” “Our Sparkwing solar arrays are tailored for optimal space performance and series production, making them ideal for constellations and contributing to enhanced space connectivity.” With unparalleled flexibility, MDA’s AURORATM satellite product line boosts constellation performance while cutting costs and time to market.
The first commercially accessible off-the-shelf solar array in the world, Sparkwing was created for small satellites and was first tailored for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions that needed between 100 and 2000 watts of power. With more than 30 panel dimensions and customizable combinations, Sparkwing facilitates seamless integration and meets increased power requirements for missions in low-Earth orbit and beyond. High rigidity, low integration effort, and flexible spaceship sidewall tolerance requirements are among of the product’s features. ESA and the Netherlands Space Office support Airbus Netherlands’ development of Sparkwing.
