Satellite Manufacturing Contract Awarded to OHB by SpaceLink
SpaceLink has awarded a preferred tenderer satellite manufacturing contract to OBH, a significant milestone in the manufacture and launch of the initial constellation of four high-capacity optical relay satellites, according to the company.
"OHB provided an advanced technical solution based on its experience with Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, processed payloads, and secure optical communications."
David Bettinger, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceLink.
The award follows a comprehensive tender process. The parties are currently in advanced negotiations in relation to a contract for the manufacture and delivery of the initial constellation. The total value of the Contract is expected to exceed $300 million.
"Following an in-depth review of multiple manufacturing proposals, we found that OHB excelled at meeting our requirements," said David Bettinger, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceLink. "OHB provided an advanced technical solution based on its experience with Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, processed payloads, and secure optical communications."
Negotiations with OHB for the satellite manufacturing contract have reached an advanced stage and the relevant terms and conditions of the Contract are expected to be legally finalized in the coming week. In addition, OHB intends to invest $25 million into SpaceLink as the cornerstone investor in the first tranche of financing for the project.
OHB System AG is one of the three leading space system providers in Europe. The company belongs to the listed high tech group OHB SE, where around 3,000 specialists and system engineers work on key European space programs. With two strong sites in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich and more than 35 years of experience, OHB System AG specializes in high-tech solutions for space. These include small and medium-sized satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science and space exploration as well as systems for human space flight, and aerial reconnaissance.
The Always in Sight SpaceLink data relay system provides global coverage to empower space system operators to maximize use of their assets. SpaceLink Corporation is headquartered in the Washington DC area and has offices in Silicon Valley, California. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, a public company traded on the Australian stock exchange.
(Source: SpaceLink news release. Image provided)