Avio is responsible for the design and construction of the propulsion system that will take Sicral 1B, a military communication satellite, from the low orbit where it was placed this morning by Ukrainian launcher Zenit 3SL to a geostationary orbit (at a distance of 36,000 km from the equator). This gigantic “leap” of thousands of kilometres will take place before the end of the week.
Running on high-efficiency liquid propellants, Avio’s engine will ensure the final positioning of the satellite and will keep it orbiting during its estimated 13-year service life.
Avio also produced the propulsion system for the Sicral 1, launched in 2001.
Avio’s experience in the field of propulsion systems for satellites dates back to the launch of Sirio, in 1977. Other satellites equipped with Avio engines include Olympus, Italsat 1 and 2, Iris and Sax.
Avio represents Italy on Europe’s space programs, both as a European leader for solid propellant launcher engines and, through a Joint Venture with the Italian Space Agency, as a major contributor to the production of VEGA, the new European launcher.
The Avio Group is a leader in the aerospace sector. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad (in the U.S., Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, French Guiana) with 18 sites and over 5000 employees. In 2008 the Group’s turnover came to over 1,600 million Euros.
Avio is active in 4 main business areas, in both the civil and the military sectors: Aeronautics, Space, MR&O and Services, Naval and Aeroderivatives.
Aeronautics: Avio designs and produces modules and components for aircraft and helicopter propulsion systems. It is Italy’s main aircraft engine manufacturer and a world leader in the field of mechanical transmissions.
Space: Avio is a European leader in the development and production of solid propellant rocket engines and is the prime contractor in the program for the design and construction of VEGA, the new European launcher. Moreover, it develops and manufactures tactic propulsion systems.
MR&O and Services: Avio supplies maintenance repair services for aeronautical engines and management services for aircraft and helicopter propulsion systems.
Naval and Aeroderivatives: Avio supplies aero-derived engines and automation systems for marine, industrial and energy generation applications.
