RUAG Space kitting out weather satellites

RUAG Space has won the contract to supply the energy system for the radiometer instrument prototype of the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) mission, which is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the aerospace company OHB Sweden. This aims to provide precise, short-term weather data from the arctic in future, which should help to better predict storms or extreme weather conditions. Currently, only patchy weather information is available for the polar regions.

According to a press release, RUAG Space will supply the energy system in Q4 2022. The prototype, weighing around 120 kilograms, is scheduled to be launched in 2024. If this is successful, 16 weather satellites are to be built. This order for RUAG Space also includes an option for these models.

Anders Linder, Head of the Electronics Product Group at RUAG Space, is quoted in the press release, saying: “What makes AWS distinctive as an ESA project is that it embraces the New Space way-of-working. This means that cost-effective automotive grade components will be used, and agile development methods applied.” He now plans to show with his team “what can be achieved by adopting a state-of-the-art approach here.”