Air Liquide inks Xenon supply contracts with Airbus and Thales

 
Its density, potential for ionisation and inertness make this noble gas extremely valuable for different applications, such as the electric propulsion of satellites. High purity xenon is used as propellant for the satellite’s orbit raising and station-keeping.
 
Satellite propulsion recently entered a new era with the development of all-electric engines, a breakthrough technology that has revolutionized the satellite industry. These engines use energy produced by the satellite’s solar panels to eject a gas (usually xenon), which then generates the thrust. All-electric engines increase the satellite’s load capacity by 50 percent, greatly reducing launching costs. In the coming years, at least one-third of the market is expected to switch to this technology.

 
Guy Salzgeber, senior vice president, Europe Industries and member of the Air Liquide group’s Executive Committee, commented, “We are proud to have been chosen by Airbus Defence and Space and by Thales Alenia Space as their technological partner for the supply of high purity xenon. Through these contracts, we are happy to contribute to the European leadership in satellite construction by bringing our expertise in the management of sourcing and in the supply chain of noble gases which it requires.”