Marotta Controls Joins the Thales Alenia Space UK Ltd Spacebus Neo Development Team
Montville, New Jersey (February 25, 2016) – Marotta Controls announces today that it has been awarded a contract from Thales Alenia Space UK Ltd to develop the Xenon Pressure Regulation Assembly (XPRA) for the electric propulsion system of its new Spacebus Neo satellite platform.
Spacebus Neo is the Thales Alenia Space UK Ltd next-generation satellite platform and will be developed with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), under the ARTES 14 Neosat programme. This new platform is targeting a 30% decrease in the cost of a megahertz capacity into geostationary orbit and will be optimized for electric propulsion. Marotta’s XPRA will provide the critical function of precise regulation of xenon throughout the life of the satellite.
The Xenon Pressure Regulation Assembly comprises critical flight qualified components based on Marotta’s heritage electric propulsion technologies. The key to the XPRA is Marotta’s Multi-Function Valve (MFV) – a unique proportional control device that provides the precise regulation and flow characteristics required for the Spacebus Neo propulsion system. The MFV was flight qualified in the critical drag compensation system of the highly successful GOCE satellite where it operated continuously throughout this extremely challenging mission.
“We are very excited to join the Thales Alenia Space UK team for the development of this significant next-generation satellite platform,” said Michael Leahan, senior vice president and chief sales officer of Marotta Controls. “It is a privilege to work with Thales Alenia Space and we look forward to supporting this program.”
About Marotta Controls
Marotta Controls, Inc. is one of the fastest growing technology businesses in New Jersey. It is a two-time recipient of the George M. Low Award for Quality and Excellence, a U.S. Small Business Administration Regional Subcontractor of the Year and a Lockheed Martin Supplier of the Year. With over 200 patents and 70 years’ experience Marotta Controls provides global security and aerospace system designers the solutions they need for controlling pressure, motion, fluid, electronics and power. Marotta’s offerings include high performance valves, manifolds, motor drives and military power supply and conversion technologies for integration into military and commercial satellites, launch vehicles, weapon systems, control actuation systems, shipboard systems and military aircraft.
Media Contact:
Tara Collazo
Marotta Controls, Inc.
[email protected]
862-222-6442
