ESOC awards Ground Segment Competitive Frame Contract to VEGA

23 June 2010

VEGA, has signed a contract with the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) of ESA in Darmstadt, Germany, for Ground Systems Software-related activities from 2010 to 2014. 

VEGA’s German subsidiary company is one of four organisations to be selected as a Frame Contractor (FCO). Under the terms of the competitive frame contract, VEGA will have the opportunity to bid for work which ESOC estimates to be worth a total of €100m over five years. 

Initially awarded for three years, with an optional two-year extension, the contract covers ground segment infrastructure systems; mission specific data systems; simulators; flight dynamics; navigation; space debris; and several other IT domains. ESOC required bidders to demonstrate high competence levels in at least the two mandatory domains of “Ground Segment Data Infrastructure Systems” and “Flight Dynamics Systems”, as well as a staff with relevant technical experience, and a highly professional management team. 

John Lewis, Managing Director of VEGA Deutschland, said: “We are particularly delighted to have been selected. It is testament to the quality and experience of our staff and to our understanding of our client’s requirements and priorities. This contract consolidates our position as a leading provider of end-to-end ground segment systems. It will support our drive to further exploit ESA technologies in Space and other markets.” 

The four FCOs selected by ESOC will be required to sub-contract a substantial part of the work to Qualified Partners. As a result of the evaluation, VEGA’s UK Space Division has been awarded Qualified Partner status for certain domains.