Mid 2022, ESA issued a new tender for industrial services and support to operations at the ESEC station located in Redu, Belgium. Being historically present there for decades, it was natural for Telespazio Belgium to apply. Our application fulfilled the requirements, and, in October 2022, we have been selected. This new contract is both a crucial asset and a historic symbol for us, as our presence in Belgium began in 1982 with the award of these activities that we provided uninterruptedly for 25 years.
What do we do there?
Essentially, we are now performing maintenance and operational activities in support of ESA satellite missions:
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Galileo IOT engineering support to ESA NAV Directorate; as well as support to the hosting of different Galileo facilities, including the security of the assets;
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Satellite Operation activities (in particular PROBA satellites), IT support to Ops (e.g. for Space Weather), Ground Station Support for Operation and Maintenance;
Being Hosting Entity manager for all the other Galileo Stations complementary with Redu, we have a clear knowledge of the EUSPA process and a concrete awareness of the importance of the interface between the Players of the Galileo Ecosystem: Industry, Design Authorities, Operation Authorities and Operator.
What does it bring to Telespazio Belgium
This contract is historical. Because of our history with ESEC, this coming back to the roots gives us a high-definition picture of our evolution. Since our last days in ESEC, we have grown so much, we can now look at that evolution and be proud of it!
In terms of business, it also brings a lot. It strengthens our presence in Belgium, especially in the Province of Luxembourg, extending our activities in Libin at GILSC and Galaxia. New opportunities will come from this new journey. Opportunities for optimization and development of new capabilities, in particular considering the overall product portfolio of Telespazio group.
From the People Management point of view, this contract is also eagerly welcomed by Telespazio Belgium employees and the new 10 employees coming from the incumbent. We found back some co-workers and past colleagues and it brings new challenges with a positive wind of change. Furthermore, additional activities in ESEC will allow us to give new qualified employment opportunities to young professionals from all over Europe, as usual, but also young engineers with an international mindset from the Province of Luxembourg. Strengthening the link between ESEC and our presence in IDELUX’s Galaxia park empowers the relationship between ESA and the region that proudly carries the development of Space activities.
Redu, we are back !