REJLERS SUPPLIES GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT FOR SPACE MISSION
CASE: THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) AND AIRBUSRejlers supplies ground support equipment for ESA and Airbus’ joint space mission
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus Defence and Space (ADS) will launch a spacecraft to Jupiter in April 2023. Rejlers designed and implemented mechanical ground support equipment that was used to test the spacecraft before its launch. With this large-scale science project, Rejlers is breaking into a brand-new field in the space technology industry.
Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is a joint space mission that will explore – and search for life on – Jupiter’s icy moons. ESA and Airbus have developed a spacecraft that will be equipped with a broad range of scientific instruments to perform observations of Jupiter, Galilean moons and the space environment.
The spacecraft and its instruments are finishing the series of tests before launch planned in April 2023. Rejlers developed a mechanical ground support equipment to validate the operation of mechanisms deploying sensors attached to the spacecraft.
Ground support equipment simulates the weightlessness of space
The mechanical ground support equipment has been used to test the spacecraft’s sensors, to ensure that they will open as planned. It consists of a height-adjustable platform whose position and angle are monitored using a separate display unit.
“In order to carry out the tests, we need to be able to lift the platform very accurately, and also tilt it to the correct angle within the given margin of error. The tests were successfully completed, and we were able to verify that the instrumentation will open as planned,” says Business Unit Manager Mikko Kaltto from Rejlers’ engineering unit in Vantaa, who was project manager for the ground support equipment.
The ground support equipment was delivered to Airbus’ Defence and Space unit in Toulouse in early 2021. It has been used to test deployment devices on the spacecraft. The JUICE programme is currently completing its last tests and will soon start its final preparation to leave to the launch campaign.
International space mission an important learning experience
The design of the ground support equipment for ESA and Airbus’ joint mission was Rejlers’ first pilot project in the field of space technology. It was also an excellent project to realise Rejlers’ vision of continuous learning.
“We boldly embarked on this project with confidence in our ability to achieve the desired result. Although the work itself involved fairly traditional engineering and automation design, we learnt a lot about what projects such as this require in terms of documentation, project management and materials. The strict requirements meant that we had to develop new solutions and working practices, and this enabled us to successfully complete the project,” says Kaltto.
Potential in space technology for both Rejlers and Finland
The European Space Agency (ESA) has enquired about Rejlers’ desire to participate in similar projects. Kaltto sees potential in space technology for both Rejlers and Finland.
“This pilot taught us a lot about international space projects. Finland has a lot to offer when it comes to space technology projects, and it’s important for us to be involved in further developing European space expertise. For Rejlers, this pilot may lead to more extensive follow-up projects and responsibilities in new areas of expertise,” says Kaltto.
The view expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.