Moog Propulsion Systems Manage Orbit for First Two Galileo Full Operational Capability Satellites
Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) Space and Defense Group helped the first two Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) Satellites maintain their orbit 23,222 km above Earth today, launched atop a Soyuz-STB Fregat-MT rocket from Sinnamary, Kourou, French Guiana. The first two FOC satellites, manufactured by OHB System AG in Bremen, Germany, are an integral part of Europe’s program for a global navigation satellite system, providing accurate, guaranteed global positioning service, interoperable with the U.S. GPS and Russian GLONASS systems. The complete satellite system consists of 30 satellites in three planes of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and a ground infrastructure.
Moog built the entire Galileo Propulsion System, which includes monopropellant engines, fill and drain valves, latch valves and pressure transducers, and the complete thermal control system installation and harnessing. The propulsion system is a critical subsystem to the satellite, controlling the attitude to ensure correct placement of the spacecraft for optimal information back to the ground. Moog leveraged the experience gained from the unique Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly GLAST) and critical Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) propulsion systems with successful launches in 2008 and 2013, respectively, and the high production volume experience from the ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2)constellation that had six spacecraft successfully launch on July 14, 2014.
Moog was awarded the Galileo FOC propulsion system contract in 2010 and began delivering complete propulsion systems in 2012. So far, Moog has delivered 14 propulsion systems for the first portion of the constellation. Moog performed the complete system design, analysis, qualification, fabrication, test, and delivery of this new system working with Moog sites in both the United States and Europe. Assembly, test and delivery for eight additional propulsion systems is currently being worked on to bring the total to 22 FOC propulsion systems.
The design incorporates Moog-built components with robust designs and heritage such as fill and drain valves from the United Kingdom; latch valves from East Aurora, NY; pressure transducers from The Netherlands; and thrusters from Niagara Falls, NY. Final assembly and test is performed at the Niagara Falls facility that has been delivering spacecraft and missile propulsion systems for critical national assets for over four decades.
The Galileo satellites also include fine and cosine sun sensors supplied by Moog in The Netherlands. Sun sensors are designed to deliver exact information about the position of the sun. This vital information is used for yaw steering of the spacecraft and therefore applied in earth pointing, solar array orientation and orbit control manoeuvres.
Galileo FOC FM1 (Doresa) and FM2 (Milena) are two of 22 FOC satellites that will be launched through 2015. Galileo’s modern and efficient design will increase Europe’s technological independence and help set international standards for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog’s high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, wind energy, marine and medical equipment. Additional information about the company can be found at www.moog.com. Additional information about Moog’s Space Sector can be found at www.moog.com/space.
The Full Operational Capability phase of the Galileo programme is managed and fully funded by the European Union. The Commission and ESA have signed a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission. The views expressed in this Press Release can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. “Galileo” is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.
