Thales Alenia Space tightens ties with NPO-PM.

Thales Alenia Space and NPO-PM--who have been working together on telecommunications satellites since 1995--say they are collaborating on a joint programme to cooperate on the development and building of a new multi-mission satellite platform optimized for direct injection into Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) and capable of High-Elliptical Orbit (HEO) missions. The partners expects the new platform, named Express-4000, to enable both companies to reinforce their leading position in Russia.

Based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus 4000 technology, Express-4000 will incorporate a large range of Russian components and subsystems and will carry a Thales Alenia Space payload. This high-capacity Express-4000 satellite will be commercialized by NPO-PM as prime contractor and will be Proton compatible. Express-4000 satellites will be built and integrated in Russia in NPO-PM's facilities.

The two companies say they are working on an industrial plan aiming at buying from Russian suppliers common equipment for the Spacebus 4000 and Express-4000 series.

This industrial plan is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the Spacebus 4000 platform on the world market.

This major strategic step forward is fully supported by Roscosmos and the new Information Satellite Systems Company, led by NPO-PM.