Thales Alenia Space celebrates double achievement for Cygnus

 Thales Alenia Space International Space Station Space Exploration Cygnus
  • Contract extension for 2 future modules
  • The successful launch of the 15th cargo mission
Thales Alenia Space confirms its unrivaled expertise in flight-proven spacecraft technologies and its longstanding partnership with Northrop Grumman

Turin, February 22, 2021 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has been confirmed by Northrop Grumman to deliver pressurized cargo modules for the 18th and 19th Cygnus cargo mission. This contract extension reaffirms the longstanding collaboration between the two companies, certifying Thales Alenia Space’s ongoing contribution to the success of Cygnus missions, but also its crucial role in the future space exploration programs.

© Thales Alenia Space

Cygnus comprises two main elements: a Service Module, built by Northrop Grumman, and an enhanced Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM), developed and built by Thales Alenia Space, since the very beginning of the program. The first contract in 2009 was for the delivery of nine modules, while a second contract in 2016 saw an additional nine modules. Since the end of 2015, the enhanced Cygnus configuration features a more efficient design, able to accommodate more payload weight (over 3,500 kg) and volume. Fifteen operational PCMs plus a demo module have been launched to date, four in the original version and eleven in the enhanced version.

“For the past decade, we have been a valued partner on Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus program, showcasing innovative technologies that allow work and life on the International space station (ISS) while fostering scientific breakthroughs, commented Walter Cugno, Vice President Exploration and Science Domain at Thales Alenia Space: “We are confident that this new contract will be an important milestone for the future deep-space cargo and exploration missions, and we would like to express our gratitude to Northrop Grumman’s trust, placed in flight-proven pressurized module technologies made in Thales Alenia Space.”

© NASA

The success story for the Cygnus spacecraft continues: its 15th mission to deliver supplies to the ISS, was successfully launched by an Antares rocket from the Wallops Island, Virginia, on 20th of February. This mission, named after NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, a pivotal figure in human spaceflight history, will deliver scientific experiments in the field of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development, including:

  • The Spaceborne Computer-2 from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which aims to demonstrate that current Earth-based data processing of space station experimental data can be performed in orbit
  • An experiment studying muscle strength in worms
  • An investigation into how microgravity may optimize the production of artificial retinas

Cygnus missions have been a critical provider of the safe resupply of the ISS since 2013, a lifeline designed to transport the fundamental cargo, including oxygen, water, crew supplies scientific experiments, and spare parts. Thales Alenia Space state-of-the-art technology and expertise in pressurized module’s design and manufacturing, plays a key role in numerous programs and missions, including 50% of the pressurized modules for ISS.

Furthermore, Northrop Grumman and Thales Alenia Space are able to deliver, thanks to the technological heritage of the Cygnus modules, other deep space habitats, such as HALO - Habitation And Logistics Outpost, one of the first two elements to form the lunar Gateway, the future human outpost in lunar orbit is one of the pillars of NASA’s Artemis program.

 

ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE
Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately 2.15 billion euros in 2019 and has around 7,700 employees in nine countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

 

THALES ALENIA SPACE – PRESS CONTACTS

Sandrine Bielecki           Tel: +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94           

sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com

Tarik Lahlou                       Tel: +33(0)6 87 95 89 56            

tarik.lahlou@thalesaleniaspace.com

Cinzia Marcanio              Tel: +39 (0)6 415 126 85            

cinzia.marcanio@thalesaleniaspace.com

Marija Kovac                     Tel: +39 (0)6 415 129 91            

marija.kovac somministrato@thalesaleniaspace.com

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