Barum & Dewar has been proudly working with Aerospacelab for several years. The relationship began in 2019 when Aerospacelab approached Barum & Dewar to design and supply a suitable transportation container for its PROBA-V companion cubesat (PVCC).

Established in Belgium, Switzerland and France, Aerospacelab is a fast-growing company created in 2018, counting more than 140 full time employees. With a unique vertically integrated approach, Aerospacelab is specialised in satellite platforms and geospatial intelligence. It designs, manufactures and operates constellations of remote sensing satellites, empowering intelligence and insights by its proprietary satellite data.

Following the success of the PVCC project and Barum & Dewar’s proven track record working in the challenging space sector, Aerospacelab approached Barum & Dewar once more to design and manufacture three specialist containers for its Versatellite Satellite Platforms (VSP).

The VSP satellite containers needed to provide environmental protection as well as mechanical dampening and protection from mechanical loads during transportation. The container also needed to be sealed, ISO 7 clean room compatible and suitable for nitrogen purging.

Satellite containers are engineered, precision manufactured items whose performance during transportation is crucial to safeguard the payload at crucial stages on its journey. Barum & Dewar offer a proven design and build service to clients who face these challenges and concerns.

Taking the brief into consideration, Barum & Dewar was immediately able to identify the most suitable container construction method and concept for this project.

Barum & Dewar proposed a fully fabricated aluminium container with a shallow base and deep removal lid of welded and riveted construction. A bespoke sub-frame to provide support for wire shock mounts and a custom interface plate onto which the payload would be secured. Stainless steel sittings, desiccant port, purge valves and lifting points would all be included and once fully painted the container would be labelled with all warning signs and branding.

By demonstrating a thorough understanding of the client’s brief and the environment in which it operates, Barum & Dewar provided support and reassurance to Aerospacelab and provided full design details and drawings in addition to CAD models ahead of manufacture which enabled the proposed design to be fully checked and discussed before moving into production.

Production of the VSP containers is underway, and delivery is scheduled towards the end of 2022.

David Frame, Managing Director at Barum & Dewar, said of the project,

“We are thrilled to be working with Aerospacelab again and are happy to see that our approach of utilising field proven design features, construction techniques and high-quality materials has helped to build trust and confidence between the two parties.”

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About Aerospacelab

Established in Belgium, Switzerland and France, Aerospacelab is a fast-growing company created in 2018, counting more than 140 full time employees. With a unique vertically integrated approach, Aerospacelab is specialised in satellite platforms and geospatial intelligence. It designs, manufactures, and operates constellations of remote sensing satellites, empowering intelligence and insights by its proprietary satellite data.

www.aerospacelab.be | Linkedin | Twitter | Facebook

For more information or press enquiries, please contact Erika Verbelen, Marketing and Communications Manager (Erika.Verbelen@aerospacelab.be, +32 470 32 61 55)