26th June 2019
Realtime Technologies Ltd. today announced that its Réaltra Space Systems Engineering Division has been awarded a contract exceeding €1.0M from the space company ArianeGroup to design, develop and deliver the Independent Video Kit (VIKI) that will provide the on-board live video telemetry from Ariane 6, the new European launch vehicle, designed and built by ArianeGroup on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). ArianeGroup is prime contractor and design authority for the Ariane 6 launcher.
The Independent Video Kit for Ariane 6 will be designed and built by the team in the Réaltra division of Realtime Technologies Ltd., based in Dublin and who were selected by French company ArianeGroup, to join their industrial team, based on the experience, capabilities and skills of the people working in Réaltra and Realtime. Working in space demands the highest engineering and manufacturing standards and the challenge of providing space-qualified electronic systems for the prestigious Ariane 6 launcher will not be easily met. The Independent Video Kit developed in Réaltra will provide the live video telemetry images from cameras located on-board the Ariane 6 launch vehicle during all phases of the launcher mission. Furthermore, the contract will support an increase in high-quality employment in design, engineering and manufacturing roles here in north Dublin and in the supply chain companies located around Ireland.
John Halligan TD, Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, who announced the contract award, said "I am delighted to be here today to announce the signing of this significant contract between ArianeGroup and Réaltra to provide the Independent Video Kit the new Ariane 6 launcher. The awarding of this contract is a significant achievement for Réaltra and demonstrates how Irish space companies can succeed in the delivery of cutting-edge space technologies. The world-class activities in Réaltra are building the reputation of Ireland’s space technology sector in the global marketplace and creating high-value jobs in Irish companies in line with the recently announced Irish Government’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025, aimed at growing the space sector in Ireland by creating sustainable businesses. I wish Réaltra and Realtime every success in the continued growth of its space activities."
Dr Bryan Rodgers of Enterprise Ireland, the State agency which provides assistance to Irish companies engaging in space technology developments with ESA, added: "Enterprise Ireland has a key role in the growth of an agile space-active enterprise sector in Ireland and provides a range of supports to space-active companies at various stages of development. Réaltra’s success reflects the current high level of technical innovation in Irish industry, which is helping to build capability and capacity in the space sector here. We wish Réaltra every success in its goal to become the world’s leading provider of electronic systems for the growing commercial ‘NewSpace’ market, in particular for low-cost launch vehicles and satellite constellations."
Paddy White, CEO, Realtime Technologies Ltd., said "We are very proud that our Réaltra division in Realtime Technologies has been selected by ArianeGroup to join their industrial team for the development of the video telemetry kit for the historic Ariane 6 launch vehicle. The selection of Réaltra by ArianeGroup is a testament to the hard work, deep experience and high standards displayed by our staff."
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About Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, A Division of Realtime Technologies Ltd.
Realtime Technologies Ltd. (www.realtime.ie) is an Irish-owned company, employing over 50 people, that was founded by Paddy White in 1996 as a supplier of printed circuit board assemblies to the global IT, aerospace, automotive and medical device sectors. Réaltra Space Systems Engineering (www.realtra.space) was established in 2018 to focus specifically on the growing global space market for high-quality and high-reliability electronic systems, targeting the commercial "NewSpace" market, with a focus on the burgeoning global micro-launchers and small satellite sectors.
Réaltra already employs 10 people ranging from staff with significant space heritage to recent graduates of UCD’s Masters in Space Science & Technology. The company plans to employ more than 20 highly skilled people over the next few years.
Réaltra is the Irish word for "galaxy", which is appropriate in the context of the company’s vision of creating innovative low-cost electronic systems for space applications. The Réaltra division was formed in January 2018 by Paddy White (CEO), Diarmuid Corry (CTO) and Danny Gleeson (CCO), each with long experience in the space sector. Realtime Technologies is a member of the Irish Space Industry Group (www.irishspaceindustrygroup.com) and a founder member of the Space Industry Skillnet (www.spaceskills.net)
About the European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
ESA is an international organisation with 22 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.
ESA’s job is to draw up the European space programme and carry it through. ESA's programmes are designed to find out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our Solar System and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services and to promote European industries.
About Ariane 6
Ariane 6 – an ESA program – will be a versatile and competitive launcher particularly well-adapted to market developments. It is modular and will be available in two versions: Ariane 62 (with two P120 solid fuel boosters, common with Vega-C) and Ariane 64 (with four P120C solid fuel boosters), enabling it to carry out all missions, to all orbits, and to guarantee continued European access to space.
Contact: Danny Gleeson Mobile: 087 2448148 Email: dgleeson@realtra.space
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