Germany's Kayser-Threde is the latest company to become a stakeholder in UK company Orbital Recovery, which plans to launch its first ConeXpress orbital life extension vehicle (CX-OLEV) "space tug" early in 2008.
The Munich-based company is buying shares worth up to 20% in the UK business. It is already responsible for the ConeXpress's satellite capture tool, docking mechanisms, payload computer and docking ground station. German aerospace centre DLR is providing the prototype capture tool hardware and software, with funding from the European Space Agency. DLR also plans to sponsor further development of the docking payload, says Kayser-Threde.
Dutch Space is responsible for development and manufacture of the CX-OLEV, which is designed to extend the service life of geostationary communications satellites. Spain's Sener will develop the attitude and orbital control subsystem and Swedish Space will prove the telemetry, tracking and command subsystem, ground control stations and mission operations.
Source: Flight International
