On 27 November 2023, the Kick-Off-Meeting (KOM) of HAITF (Hellenic Assembly, Integration and Testing Facility) project took place in Schimatari, at Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) Premises.
The main objective of the HAIT Facility project is to design, implement and make operational a state-of-the-art set of facilities, within the Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A. premises, in order to Assemble, Integrate and Test (AIT) future satellites and space devices.
The HAIT Facility will be capable of hosting space hardware and small satellites, to support its process of assembly and integration after manufacturing, as well as the conduction of functional and environmental tests.
- The process of assembly and integration is the latest manufacturing step of a satellite system, typically involving the physical and electrical connection from the satellite subsystems (e.g. payload) into the spacecraft bus (platform).
- The functional tests verify the functionality and reliability of the satellite subsystems including a full system validation: prior, during and after the environmental tests.
- The environmental tests simulate the space environmental conditions (around or interfacing with the satellite), starting from a rocket lift-off until the satellite drives itself through the orbit. These tests guarantee (by means of qualifying and accepting) that the satellites will be alive in space, have reliable operation during their life cycle, and also guarantee the satellite mission success. For these tests appropriate facilities (e.g. Vibration Test system or Thermal Vacuum Chamber) and equipment are needed.
The HAIT Facility project has a completion schedule of three (3) years and is funded by the European Commission as part of the recovery and resilience plan (RRP) and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), acting on behalf of the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance for Greek National Space Program.
The HAIT Facility project is an important opportunity for HAI to expand its turnover in the field of space applications, to acquire expertise in manufacturing and testing of satellite systems and to create new job opportunities for young skilled scientists.
ΗΑΙ is proud of this leading technological innovation in the space sector and is committed to continue to contribute to the strengthening of the Greek National Satellite Programme.
ΗΑΙ remains a pioneer and innovator, building for Greece an important capital of know-how which it exploits, develops and applies technological developments.
About the European Space Agency (ESA)
The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.
ESA is an intergovernmental organization, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia are Associate Members.
ESA has established formal cooperation with four Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.
By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.
About Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A. (HAI)
Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A. established in 1975 is the largest aerospace and defense industry in Greece, having as primary mission to deliver defense and aerospace services and products to the Hellenic State, as well as to both military and civil markets.
Operating as an integrated, «one stop shop», combining cutting-edge technology with certified production procedures and exceptionally well-trained and experienced staff, the company offers products and services of the highest quality standards in the most competitive cost and delivery terms, thus acquiring a broad customer base, and establishing itself as a reliable partner of the leading aerospace industries globally, with important export activity.
