Work is underway at the Hellenic Aerospace Industry for the design, implementation and operation of a modern infrastructure, within the EAB facilities, in Schimatari, for assembly, integration and testing (AIT) of space hardware and satellites.

As announced today by the ODA the launch of the HAITF project (Hellenic Assembly, Integration and Testing Facility) took place on 27 November.

The HAITF infrastructure it will be able to host space hardware and small satellites to support the process of assembling and integrating satellite subsystems into the spacecraft, as well as conducting operational and environmental testing.

The assembly and integration process is the last stage of construction of a satellite system, which usually involves the physical and electrical connection of the satellite subsystems to the spacecraft.

Functional tests verify the functionality and reliability of satellite subsystems, including full system functionality: before, during and after environmental testing.

Environmental tests simulate the space environmental conditions, starting from the launch of the satellite to its placement in orbit. These tests guarantee that the satellites will be alive in Space, have reliable operation during their life cycle and also guarantee the success of the satellite mission. Appropriate facilities (eg vibration test system or thermal vacuum chamber) and equipment are required for these tests.

The HAITF project has a three-year completion schedule and is funded by the European Commission under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRF) and is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), acting on behalf of the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance for the Greek National Space Programme.

The HAITF project is significant opportunity for ODA to expand its turnover in the field of space applications, to acquire know-how in the construction and testing of satellite systems, as well as to create new specialized jobs for young scientists, the announcement concludes.