The Walloon aerospace group, Sonaca, has announced its involvement in two major space projects: the creation of a space factory prototype and the second component of a robotic system.
Working in collaboration with Belgian company, Space Application Services, these new contracts underpin Sonaca’s ambitions to be at the forefront of the emerging space economy – while boosting Belgium and its ecosystem as European pioneers in this field.
The project is part of the European research programme Horizon Europe, for which Sonaca has joined the consortium led by Space Applications Services.
The joint goal is to design the first prototype of an automated zero-gravity warehouse named ‘StarFab.’ The project kicks off this January, bringing the future of space logistic economy into focus and aiming to ensure a sustainable future.
This ‘space factory’ prototype would moreover, overcome the challenges of terrestrial rocket launches, and in the long term, consider ‘human exploration of remote space.’
Simultaneously, Sonaca and its subsidiary, Sonaca Montreal, have agreed to increase their contribution to the intelligent robotic system of the future lunar space station. As part of the deal with Canadian company MDA Inc., Sonaca will design and supply a second component of this robotic system which will focus on the electronic aspects and motor control.
"We are proud to be part of the exploration of a future space economy. These exciting challenges will enable us to create new jobs, develop new skills, and enhance our positive impact in terms of sustainable development," expressed an exhilarated Yves Delatte, CEO of the group.
"The dawn of a new era for the aviation industry but also for the entire economy," added Thomas Dermine, Secretary of State for Economic Revival.
