Newtec is taking the lead on two QinetiQ projects as it works towards full ESA certification
SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium – 18 June 2019 – Newtec, a specialist in the design, development and manufacture of equipment for satellite communications, today announced it is working with QinetiQ on two key projects as it enters the Belgian space market.
QinetiQ – a leading science and engineering company operating primarily in the defense, security, space and air markets – has chosen Newtec’s Manufacturing Competence Center (MCC), in Erpe-Mere, Belgium, to provide the soldering of on-board electronics for two projects. The work will contribute towards Newtec’s European Space Agency (ESA) certification which the company hopes to complete by 2020.
Under the agreement, Newtec will work on two initiatives – the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism (IBDM) and the development of onboard computers for the next generation of satellites QinetiQ is planning to build. The IBDM, which is being developed together with ESA, will enable vehicles carrying cargo or passengers to dock softly at any space station with less force.
“Our work with QinetiQ is the beginning of a strong legacy we hope to create in the space industry in Belgium,” said Danny De Smet, who is responsible for Business Development at Newtec’s MCC. “We are delighted that QinetiQ has entrusted us with this project which will showcase the skills we have honed throughout our work in other industries, including the industrial, avionics and military sectors. Our ability to deliver this work for QinetiQ is the result of company ambition and investment that has further enhanced our manufacturing capabilities.”
From its site in Kruibeke, Belgium, QinetiQ selected Newtec’s MCC due to the advantages that working with a partner in close proximity brings, including cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Newtec’s MCC has Factory of the Future status, the highest possible recognition for the manufacturing industry in Belgium, and works with a range of customers including Thales and Panasonic.
“Our partnership with Newtec has brought a number of benefits, including maximum cost-effectiveness and convenience due to the location being near our Space Centre, which will prove particularly useful should any problems arise,” said Frank Preud’homme, Commercial Director at QinetiQ. “Over the years, Newtec’s MCC has proved itself to be more than competent in providing services to a number of different industries and we are sure it will also see success in the space segment as it continues to expand.”
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ABOUT ST ENGINEERING IDIRECT
ST Engineering North America is the U.S. headquarters of ST Engineering, a global technology, defense and engineering group specializing in the aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine sectors. Based in Alexandria, VA, it has major operations across 17 cities in 13 states and employs about 5,000 people providing innovative products and solutions to commercial and government customers across diverse market segments.
ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering North America, is a global leader in satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable its customers worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. With the recent acquisition of the satcoms pioneer, Newtec, the combined business brings together over 35 years of innovation and leadership focused on solving the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Its product portfolio, branded under the names iDirect and Newtec, represents the standard in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for customers to deliver the best connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including broadcast, mobility and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information on the iDirect product line please visit www.iDirect.net. For the Newtec product line please visit www.newtec.eu.
ABOUT QINETIQ
QinetiQ, www.qinetiq.com, is one of Europe’s leading space system integrators. Through its longstanding ESA and defence heritage, QinetiQ offers the design, build, launch and operation of complex space infrastructure, ground stations, subsystems and satellites.
The PROBA remote sensing satellites are designed and built at our facilities, where today we deliver entire satellites and major satellite equipment including on-board computers, remote terminal units, mass memories, space mechanisms (including spacecraft docking), advanced electric propulsion systems and radio transceivers to enable the most demanding space missions.
QinetiQ provides “best fit” cost-efficient small satellite solutions with a guaranteed lifetime including secured satellite communications and operations.
For human exploration our IBDM technology provides docking solutions to support cargo and crew missions in Low Earth Orbit and beyond, while our proven water processing experience enhances the efficiency of water recycling and In Situ Resource Utilisation systems.