OneSat's robotic arm

A robotic arm – entirely developed and built in Europe – that enables a satellite to change and control its orbit fuel efficiently has passed its qualification review for launch into space on the OneSat range of satellites.

The “deployment and pointing system” promotes European autonomy and constitutes an essential feature of the industrial footprint in Europe of OneSat, which is a partnership between ESA, the French space agency CNES and satellite manufacturer Airbus.

The system features robotic arms that enable the satellite’s plasma thrusters to be positioned far away from the satellite’s body, which optimises consumption of the xenon fuel.

Designed by Airbus in France, the system was made and qualified by manufacturer Euro Heat Pipes in Belgium. Other manufacturing partners include: Sener in Spain for the rotary actuator; Mécano-ID in France for the booms; and Latelec in France for the harnesses. The plasma thruster was developed and built by French engine manufacturer Safran.