Sener Polska, a leading space engineering company, has been selected to coordinate the medium gain antenna system for ESA’s ARIEL mission, aimed at studying exoplanets and their atmospheres.
ARIEL (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is a medium-class mission by ESA, set to launch in 2029. It will use a space telescope to analyze the atmospheres of distant planets, enhancing our understanding of exoplanet formation and evolution.
Antenna System Details
The medium gain antenna, crucial for Earth communication, consists of three main subsystems: the Antenna Reflector Assembly (ARA), the Antenna Pointing Mechanism (APM), and the Antenna Pointing Mechanism Electronics (APME). Sener Polska will provide the flight models, ensuring resilience against solar radiation and launch stresses.
With extensive experience in developing space mechanisms, Sener Polska plays a key role in ESA missions, collaborating with over 84 Polish enterprises in 2023 alone. The company is part of the global Sener group, dedicated to space projects since 2012.
The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) milestone was achieved in May. Flight model delivery is planned for March 2026, preceded by engineering model tests.