Safran Electronics & Defense Expands U.S. Manufacturing for Small Satellite Propulsion Systems

Safran Electronics & Defense Expands U.S. Manufacturing for Small Satellite Propulsion Systems

(IN BRIEF) Safran Electronics & Defense is expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for small satellite propulsion systems to meet growing market demand. The new Colorado facility will produce the EPS®X00 system, with first deliveries in Q1 2026, supporting both American and global markets and fostering innovation in satellite technology.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 6-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Electronics & Defense, a leading global supplier of defense and space equipment, is expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for small satellite propulsion systems to meet rising demand in the commercial and defense sectors. This strategic move, announced at the 2024 Small Satellite Conference, aims to support the anticipated growth of the North American small satellite market, projected to exceed $5 billion by 2030.

The “Made-in-the-USA” EPS®X00 system will be produced by Safran Electronics & Defense’s U.S.-based subsidiary, with the first deliveries expected in Q1 2026. The establishment of a new production facility in Colorado underscores Safran’s commitment to being a trusted provider of satellite propulsion turnkey solutions for both American and international markets. This initiative reflects Safran’s ongoing investment in the U.S., delivering critical solutions and top-tier support to commercial and government customers. The Colorado site will also house Safran’s U.S. teams for satellite communications and space & ground domain awareness.

Jean-Marie Bétermier, Space Global Business Unit Director at Safran Electronics & Defense, stated, “Safran is dedicated to enhancing our manufacturing capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the U.S. small satellite market. By addressing the global demand for electric propulsion in small satellites, we aim to tackle the challenge of increasingly stringent international sustainability and resilience regulations.”

“Our increased production capacity will support these advancements and drive innovation in satellite technology,” Bétermier added. “This will ensure greater spacecraft maneuverability to avoid collisions and facilitate the deorbiting of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites at the end of their service life.”

Safran’s EPS®X00 electric propulsion system, featuring the PPS®X00 thruster, reinforces the company’s position as a leading provider of electric propulsion for small satellites. The PPS®X00, competitively priced for the “New Space” market, offers up to 5,000 hours of total thrust time and a high specific impulse, making it highly versatile for various LEO applications.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers on-board intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, to reduce mental load and to guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Media Contact:

François Maginiot
Safran Electronics & Defense
+33 7 89 57 25 80
francois.maginiot@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran