Spanish contribution to launchers
Several Spanish companies contribute to the manufacture of the Ariane launcher. Among them are: EADS-CASA, Astrium-CRISA, Sener, GTD and Iberespacio.
Since 1966, EADS-CASA Espacio, a European centre specialised in composites, develops, produces, integrates and qualifies space frames for structural, thermal, antenna mechanisms and harness subsystems. These are used for launchers, satellites and the International Space Station.
EADS-CASA Espacio participates in all the ESA programmes as a major subsystem supplier, particularly for the launchers programme. It develops large composite structures in one single piece for the upper stages of the next versions of Ariane 5 (Versatile and ESC-A), as well as new and unique launcher products such as the shock attenuation device and the clamp ring separation system.
The production facilities for the Ariane launcher are located near to the international Barajas airport. The structures for the Ariane-5 and 5 Plus vehicle equipment bay, the storable propellant stage, the inter-stage skirt, the 3936 adapter and the final integration facility for the Ariane 4 and 5 payload adaptors are produced here.
Some of this work is also carried out at the EADS-CASA Espacio factories in Getafe, Cadiz and Seville, or is subcontracted to other companies such as Jupasa and Aries.
Another important Spanish company, Astrium-CRISA, which is located in Madrid, participates in the development and production of the sequential electronics of Ariane 5.
