ÉireComposites builds satellite hardware for ESA’s Altius mission

ÉireComposites has manufactured three carbon fibre components for ESA’s Altius ozone-monitoring satellite, set to launch in 2028 from French Guiana. The work marks the first external satellite components and the largest functioning space hardware ever made in Ireland for launch into space.

Why it matters: - The Altius hardware is the first external satellite component made in Ireland to reach space. - The project is also the largest functioning space hardware ever manufactured in Ireland for launch. - The components support a mission designed to measure ozone and other trace gases that affect weather forecasting, climate monitoring and public health.

What happened: - ÉireComposites manufactured three precision carbon fibre stray light baffles for the European Space Agency’s Altius satellite. - The Galway-based company built the components for the satellite’s high-performance optical instrument. - Altius is scheduled to launch in 2028 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The details: - The baffles will shield the instrument from out-of-field stray light. - A system of periscope mirrors will align incoming light into the instrument for atmospheric measurements. - The parts required extremely precise manufacturing and finishing to meet space-based optical performance standards. - Altius stands for Atmospheric Limb Tracker for Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere. - The mission uses a high-resolution spectral imager and a limb sounding technique to produce vertical profiles of ozone and other atmospheric gases. - Those measurements support weather forecasting and long-term climate monitoring. - Atmospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, especially harmful UV B rays. - Excessive UV B exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and cataracts and can damage plants, marine ecosystems and wildlife. - Altius was developed within ESA’s Earth Watch programme. - Belgium primarily finances the mission, with contributions from Canada, Luxembourg and Romania.

Between the lines: - The contract reinforces ÉireComposites’ role as a specialist supplier in Europe’s space supply chain. - Tomás Flanagan, CEO of ÉireComposites, said the project marks a major milestone for Irish participation in space exploration. - Flanagan said the baffles will become the first optical subsystem manufactured in Ireland and the largest satellite components produced in the country to be launched into space. - The work also signals growing Irish involvement in advanced manufacturing for international space missions. - ÉireComposites said the project builds on a long-standing collaboration with ESA and support from Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

What’s next: - ESA plans to launch Altius in 2028. - Once in orbit, the satellite is expected to deliver ozone and trace-gas data for scientific, weather and climate uses. - ÉireComposites is continuing investment in advanced materials and precision manufacturing for the global space industry.