Developed and built by OHB System, the “Hispasat Advanced Generation 1” (“Hispasat AG1”) geostationary communications satellite yesterday evening has left the integration hall in Bremen. After successful system testing at the end of the integration phase in Bremen, the environmental impact testing campaign is now to commence.
Hispasat AG1 will undergo this testing over the next few weeks at the space center operated by IABG in Ottobrunn near Munich. During environmental impact testing, the satellite is placed in a thermal vacuum chamber, where its functions are tested under space conditions in both heat and cold and in vacuums. Further functional testing entails the simulation of mechanical and also electro-magnetic strain on the satellite.
As the principal contractor, OHB is responsible for the overall satellite system, integration of the satellite, in-orbit testing and start-up. In addition, it will provide real-time support during the satellite’s entire 15-year service life.
Spanish communications service provider and satellite operator Hispasat will be using HAG1 to supply Spain and Portugal, the Canary Islands and America with multimedia services.
It is the first satellite to use Europe’s new SmallGEO platform, developed through a public–private partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and OHB.
Source / Author: OHB System
Photo: OHB System