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AMPAC-ISP Components Support TanDEM-X Radar Satellite
AMPAC-ISP's European operations are playing a crucial role the TanDEM
radar satellite mission by providing several of the cold gas propulsion system components. Under contract from
EADS Astrium (Friedrichshafen, Germany), AMPAC-ISP Europe supplied Cold Gas Thrusters 40mN
(for orbit control system), Fill and Vent Valves (with associated ground support equipment) and Pressure
Relief Valves. The TanDEM-X mission objective is to work in formation with its sister satellite,
TerraSAR-X forming the first configurable synthetic aperture radar interferometer in space,
and will gather data used to construct an accurate three-dimensional elevation model of Earth that is
homogeneous in quality and unprecedented in accuracy......more
AMPAC-ISP IS AWARDED PROPULSION SYSTEM CONTRACT FOR ORBCOMM OG2 PROGRAM
In July 2008, AMPAC-ISP was awarded a contract by Microsat Systems to provide 18 propulsion systems to be used on the Orbcomm OG2 program. The initial multimillion dollar contract for 18 systems also has an option for another 30 systems. Orbcomm satellites provide GPS data for tracking and global satellite data communications.
AMPAC-ISP RECEIVES FUNDING FOR THE LANDSAT SATELLITE PROPULSION SYSTEM
In June 2008, AMPAC-ISP received initial funding from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems to initiate the LDCM contract. The expected value of the contract is approximately $4m to deliver a propulsion system for the Landsat satellite. This satellite is funded by NASA Goddard and provides earth observation for land and water resource planning.
New Director of Engineering, UK Operations
Dr. Ian Coxhill has joined AMPAC In-Space Propulsion UK, effective July 7, 2008, as Director of Engineering at our Westcott, UK operation. Dr. Coxhill comes to AMPAC-ISP after six years at Surrey Satellite Technology, bringing extensive experience in the design, manufacturing and testing of bipropellant engines and propulsion systems. He also has extensive experience supporting satellite launch campaigns, most recently for Surrey's NISAT-1, BilSat-1, UK-DMC and BEIJING-1 missions. Dr. Coxhill has authored a number of papers on the subjects of green propellant and satellite propulsion. Dr. Coxhill holds a Master of Science Degree in Physics from the University of Leicester, and a Ph.D. from the University of Surrey, with a focus on hydrogen peroxide engines for small satellites. Dr. Coxhill's experience in satellite propulsion and his enthusiasm for product development are the right combination of talents to lead our European Engineering organization to new frontiers.