Parts Agency
Despite these extreme environmental conditions the equipment has to function without failure for many years (e.g. 15 years or more for telecommunication satellites), so maximum attention must be given to reliability.
For electronic equipment the key factor to meet these requirements are the EEE parts used. Thus the selection and testing of EEE part must be optimized to fit to the mission demands to be successful.
There are various drivers in the process of sourcing EEE parts for space use:
Despite these extreme environmental conditions the equipment has to function without failure for many years (e.g. 15 years or more for telecommunication satellites), so maximum attention must be given to reliability.
For electronic equipment the key factor to meet these requirements are the EEE parts used. Thus the selection and testing of EEE part must be optimized to fit to the mission demands to be successful.
There are various drivers in the process of sourcing EEE parts for space use:
Identifying the correct EEE parts: needed quality level, manufacturer, type and the necessary testing and quality assurance measures.
Schedule: The delivery times of EEE parts have a major influence on the equipment schedule. Knowledge of critical schedule drivers and processes to avoid or minimize their risk are mandatory.
Supplier market: For HiRel EEE parts there are many monopolistic suppliers or suppliers who require close control of quality and schedule.
Counterfeit Parts: A threat that affects more and more the space industry and requires a sophisticated approach and continuous improvement in methods to stay ahead.
End customer demand on specific documentation or need for justification for the use of specific parts requiring statements and support by experts.
Compliance to export control regulations.
Logistic complexity: many different part types have to be procured from numerous parts manufacturers at the same time. Additional testing and quality assurance measures have to be organized for a large selection of items in parallel and on time, often involving third parties such as specialized test houses.
The Facts
We assist the external customers and the equipment business lines at Tesat regarding the EEE parts selection process, conduct all purchasing as well as quality assurance activities. Finally we also solve any parts related problem that may arise on parts level as well as during equipment production, test and flight operation.
Started in 1972, up to now many thousands of different part types have been procured and thus have established Tesat as Europe‘s largest and most experienced procurer of EEE parts for space.
More than 70 customers worldwide have entrusted Tesat-Spacecom to procure their EEE parts. Besides these we have also been acting as Centralised or Coordinated Parts Procurement Agency (CPPA) for numerous major European programmes.
Parts Agency customer benefits
Access to additional test facilities within Tesat and close cooperation with specialised test houses
Procurement ability and know-how of any type of EEE parts and any quality level used in space
Independence from manufacturers allow unbiased judgement of quality, cost and schedule
Excellent knowledge of part types, their performance and technologies
Infrastructure and manpower set to constantly handle high volumes
In depth knowledge of equipment design, assembly, production and testing
Outstanding know-how and relationship within the Hi-Rel component market
Excellent facilities for handling, quality assurance, storage & data management
Well equipped laboratory run by experienced staff
Long-term experience in procurement of EEE parts
Comprehensive quality assurance systems and processes
Reliable supply chain
