Backnang, 21 August 2024 - In presence of representatives of the German Space Agency at DLR, the Baden-Württemberg state parliament and the city of Backnang, Minister President Winfried Kretschmann opened the world's first facility for the industrial production of large quantities of laser terminals and equipment for satellite communications. TESAT's new production building in Backnang can manufacture up to 100 units per month. A few years ago it was just one per year. This will enable TESAT to expand its leading position in a rapidly growing market.
The commercialization of space has gained significant momentum, particularly with the establishment of satellite constellations, i.e. the use of several hundred to a thousand satellites in a network. "Next Space" brings considerable growth and value creation potential for manufacturers such as TESAT. The switch to series production of components and systems for optical satellite communication is an important step towards leveraging this potential. The industrial production of large quantities enables the implementation of data-based business models in areas such as navigation, earth observation and telecommunications. TESAT recently received an order from the Canadian company MDA Space to supply almost 800 laser terminals for the "Telesat Lightspeed" constellation.
Laser communication technology is considered to be of great importance with regard to Europe's technical sovereignty. The advantages of laser communication lie in the difficulty of detection and the associated security against eavesdropping, the high data rates and speeds, as well as the possibility of sending quantum keys (quantum key distribution). Critical key technology for a domain that is already referred to as critical infrastructure comes from Germany, Baden-Württemberg, to be precise from Backnang. Almost a tenth of all employees in the German space industry are employed in Backnang by TESAT and are responsible for a tenth of German turnover in the aerospace industry.
"Baden-Württemberg is a leader in research and innovation and one of the most successful locations in the aerospace industry. Today's visit to TESAT shows this once again. It is fascinating to experience the enthusiasm for space travel and satellite technology here on site. Space is irreplaceable for climate research, earth observation, navigation and communication. The fact that almost all of these satellites contain components from Backnang is naturally a source of pride. I would like to express my sincere thanks to those responsible for this commitment. The state government will continue to support Baden-Württemberg as an aerospace location in the future, for example with our strategy 'THE aerospace LÄND',” said Minister President Kretschmann.
"TESAT is the German leader in laser technology and quantum communication. However, without the continuous support from DLR in recent years, we would not be where we are today," said TESAT CEO Thomas Reinartz. "Only by consistently expanding this technology, TESAT has managed to develop a product that we can now manufacture in series. Today, we are reaping the fruits that were sown 30 years ago. The high number of orders impressively demonstrates the leverage that such technology programs can develop." Dr. Walther Pelzer, DLR Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency, emphasized: "Satellite communication is a strategically relevant, commercially interesting future market for the German space industry. Laser communication and smart antennas in particular are the key components for efficiently handling the rapidly growing volumes of data transmitted in space. The series production that is being created here at TESAT is thus strengthening Germany as a space location."
Ralf Nentwich, member of the state parliament for the Green Party from Backnang, emphasized the importance of TESAT for Baden-Württemberg's aerospace industry: "With the aerospace strategy of the state of Baden-Württemberg - THE aerospace LÄND - we want to increase the visibility of the regional aerospace industry. The new TESAT production building and the associated series production is a beacon and a decisive contribution to strengthening Baden-Württemberg as an aerospace location."
For the Mayor of Backnang, Maximilian Friedrich, the new building is an investment in the future and a strong commitment to the company's location in the world center of satellite communications Backnang: "The investment of over 20 million euros underlines TESAT's deep commitment to the location and the region. Satellite communication has become an integral part of everyday life. I am sure that the new building will help to shape the future of space travel and satellite technology from Backnang."
The new building has a floor space of 4,400 m² and a volume of 22,700 m³. On three floors, TESAT will revolutionize high-end production in the optics sector with state-of-the-art clean rooms (ISO6 & ISO8). Construction began in June 2022 and the topping-out ceremony was celebrated in May 2023.
ABOUT TESAT
TESAT supplies the key components for satellite communications that are utilized from telecommunications through navigation, climate and earth observation to science. The product range spans from the smallest space-specific components to modules, entire assemblies or payloads. More than half of all communication satellites in orbit have TESAT equipment on board. It is being developed, assembled, integrated and tested by around 1,200 employees in Backnang, Germany and in Merritt Island, Florida. TESAT is the first company that has been delivering products and systems for optical communications via laser in space. As the leading manufacturer in its field, the company helps to sustainably connect the world and make it a better place to live for everyone.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG
Gerberstraße 49
D-71522 Backnang
Victoria-Louisa Kirstein
Head of Communications & Marketing
+49 7191 930 - 1039
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Andreas Schramm
Marketing & Communications Manager
+49 7191 930 - 2451
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