Thales has recently announced the successful delivery of Ku-band Dual-Traveling Wave Tubes (TWTs), specifically tailored for the ASTRA 1Q satellite. This satellite was ordered by SES, a global leader in content distribution and connectivity solutions headquartered in Luxembourg,es and Al constructedenia by Space Thal.

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Renowned for its innovative prowess, Thales has deployed over 23,200 TWTs in low Earth orbit. The Dual-TWT, a new generation of spaceborne TWTs, further augments its portfolio of spaceborne amplifiers. This novel solution combines a lightweight, compact design with high performance, fully satisfying the demands of software-defined flexible satellites for active antenna amplification systems. The new generation of Dual-TWTs is available in two versions, supporting both Ku and Ka bands.

Thales Alenia Space's Space INSPIRE solution (Instant Space In-Orbit Reset) supports a new generation of highly flexible communication satellites, enabling in-orbit reconfiguration to swiftly adapt to evolving market conditions and user needs.

The development of the Space INSPIRE product line has received substantial support from the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES). Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) has contributed to multiple components from European companies through two ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) programs: the Artes Competitiveness and Growth Program and the Novacom II program.

Equipped with crucial components such as Thales' Ku-band Dual-TWTs, the ASTRA 1Q satellite stands as a key representative of the new generation of spacecraft, significantly enhancing communication and satellite service capabilities.

Three state-of-the-art Thales production facilities participated in the manufacturing of the Dual-TWTs, located in Ulm, Germany, Toulon-la-Garde, France, and Velizy, France.

Advantages of the first delivered flight equipment: The Dual-TWTs incorporate advanced technology, designed for high reliability and performance in harsh space environments. They can be seamlessly integrated into Thales Alenia Space's ASTRA 1Q satellite antennas, making a pivotal contribution to the entire project.

This remarkable technological advancement reinforces Thales' position as a leader in the space market.

Charles-Antoine Goffin, Vice President of Microwave and Imaging Systems at Thales, stated, "We are honored to provide the latest generation of Dual-TWTs to Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for the ASTRA 1Q satellite, playing a crucial role in this project. The successful delivery of the first flight model equipment underscores Thales' robust capability in swiftly delivering cutting-edge technological solutions that will profoundly shape the future of space communications."

About Thales

As one of the world's leaders in advanced technologies, Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) specializes in aerospace, space, cybersecurity, and digital identity solutions, developing products and solutions aimed at building a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.

The Group invests over €4 billion annually in research and development in key innovation areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and cloud technologies.

Thales employs over 83,000 people globally across 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.