The Atmospheric Remote-Sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-Survey mission, which aims to explore and analyze planets beyond the solar system, and their atmospheres, is classified as a medium-class project by ESA.
It includes the development of a space telescope designed specifically to study exoplanets, with a focus on understanding their formation and evolution.
The telescope, scheduled for launch in 2029, will also conduct investigation of planets within our solar system.
The antenna system, known as the medium gain antenna, is critical for enabling communication between the telescope and Earth.
Katarzyna Okulska-Gawlik, a Sener Polska project manager, said that the Medium Gain Antenna is currently in the preliminary design phase, with a milestone review completed in late May.
It consists of three main subsystems: the Antenna Reflector Assembly (ARA), which sends and receives signals in the X-band frequency used in space communication; the Antenna Pointing Mechanism (APM), which aligns the antenna correctly; and the Antenna Pointing Mechanism Electronics (APME), which controls the motors that position the antenna.
Sener Polska will deliver the flight models of this system, which are the final versions to be mounted on the spacecraft.
The engineers are addressing challenges such as protecting the device from solar radiation and the intense loads experienced during launch.
Delivery of the flight models is scheduled for March 2026, following a testing campaign.
The Ariel mission's payload is developed by a consortium of more than 50 institutes from 16 ESA countries, which include Poland, the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal and Estonia.
Participation has been confirmed by NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Sener Polska has focused exclusively on space projects since 2012, concentrating largely on mechanical engineering.
The company's expertise includes creating mechanisms for various spacecraft applications, as well as ground support equipment necessary for transporting and assembly of space systems.
It is part of the Sener group, which began its operations in Spain in 1956 and is now present in over 50 countries.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP