ISP International Space Propulsion Ltd. provides engineering technical and advisory support to the space propulsion industry.
We offer Engineering services in the design, production and testing of satellite subsystems, project and programme management and procurement support.
We provide training for professionals and students alike.
We offer mechanical and chemical services in the supply and test of liquid propellants, mobile analysis (PAMELA), material compatibility investigations, and equipment design.
We provide advisory roles in health & safety, legal/arbitration, product assurance and logistics.
We'd like to hear from you! Let us know your views, questions, or suggestions. We endeavour to answer all reasonable points.
Feel free to contact us through the Message Centre opposite.
We want you to engage with us, expand your interest and knowledge, and with your support, enable us all to reach out, explore and discover the wonders of space.
Bremen, May 3rd, 2012 - After the delivery of the first payload by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) in April, the first of a series of 22 Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites, developed under contract with the European Space Agency, has now been assembled and is being prepared for the testing phase. Having completed the payload integration into the satellite, OHB sticks to the tight schedule with a delivery date of the first complete satellite by the end of this year. At OHB’s facilities in Bremen, the first flight satellite is now integrated with the platform, manufactured by OHB System, the propulsion module delivered by AMPAC-ISP, Niagara Falls, USA, and the payload delivered by SSTL, Guildford, UK.
Marco R. Fuchs, CEO of OHB, stated: "We are very proud to have reached this important milestone after only 27 months from the programme’s kick-off in January 2010. We are looking forward to finalise the test programme and then to transfer the satellite to the environmental test campaign.“ The completion of the production island facilities for the series production of the Galileo FOC satellites takes shape in parallel, while production of the second flight satellite has already started and the pre-assembly work on Flight Model number three is ongoing as well. OHB System is the prime contractor for the construction of 22 satellites for the Galileo system and is responsible for developing the satellite bus and for integrating the satellites. SSTL is developing and constructing the navigation payload and additionally assisting OHB with the final assembly of the satellites. The satellites undergo final assembly in Bremen.

* The Full Operational Capability phase of the Galileo programme is managed and fully funded by the European Union. The Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission. The views expressed in this Press Release can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. "Galileo" is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.
We currently provide our Clients and partners with consultancy services in the following areas:
Received from OHB Sweden:
"OHB-Sweden found in ISP team the knowledgeable, responsive and responsible people who can support the on-going activities as well as proposal work with a highly professional and none the less friendly attitude. This combination brings much added value in the workplace at critical time and open long term perspective".
Received from AMPAC-ISP, Niagara Falls, NY:
"I had the good fortune of working with Paul for a little over two years when he was stationed in the U.S. serving as a technical consultant for OHB-System at our assembly facility in Niagara Falls New York. Paul's familiarity with European standards and processes, along with his positive attitude and detailed technical guidance, was instrumental in aligning our heritage U.S. design verification methods with the European equivalents."
"Complex propulsion system design parameters are challenging beasts even within one company or one culture, let alone two companies and multiple cultures. Paul consistently demonstrated high levels of integrity in helping to resolve design issues through both PDR and CDR phases and continued to employ his keen eye for detail during the MRR and delivery phases of the project."
"It was a pleasure to learn from and work with Paul. I highly recommend his technical consultancy services and wish him the best in future endeavors, even if he does pronounce aluminum funny."
George Litts, Galileo OCS Program Manager.
ISP supports subsystem engineering design and procurement activities, exploiting the expertise and experience of its personnel, built up over many years dealing with common suppliers, both in Europe and in the US.
The role requires a detailed knowledge of the design, construction and operation of each component, from the complex pressure regulator to the more basic hydraulic tubing and fittings.
The Company has provided support to propellant and pressurant tank procurement, as well as for pyrotechnic valves and all other major equipment found in propulsion subsystems, and procurement of complete systems.
Our depth of involvement in a variety of different types of propulsion subsystems over 40 years allows us to advise constructively on design, configuration and layout issues, with added consideration to production, test and operating restrictions that may manifest themselves.
We apply the same consideration to our procurement support, whether for propellants, raw materials, tubing and fittings, components or complete systems.
ISP can also provide support to Launch/Early Operation Phase (LEOP) operations, or spacecraft mission operation.
We pay attention to detail, focus on critical areas and strive to secure the product in compliance to requirements.
Owing to the hostile nature of the environment our systems must operate in, industrial confidence depends on the demonstration of safety and reliability.
In order to achieve this, ISP support services reflect the current state-of-the-art with respect to accepted practice, material and process specifications, standards of workmanship and product quality.
We support all aspects of product assurance and quality engineering, as well as providing expertise to evaluate systems and supporting ground equipment and protocols so as to maximise perceived reliability and increase Customer confidence.
A fully-equipped, CE-certified laboratory, allowing on-site analysis of hazardous fluids, in a secure working and storage environment for operation in the harshest surroundings.
The container was finally delivered in September, following final unpowered verification at the Supplier. A small incident occurred during loading which delayed the delivery by a further week.
Powered verification at our test site was delayed owing to a non-compliant supply board. In addition, the test resource availability was temprorarily inadequate to perform all the required activities, which included some late modifications and finishing steps. These resource shortfalls have now been cleared.
It is hoped that the commissioning will be completed in January 2013.
Further updates will be posted in due course.
ISP International Space Propulsion Limited (ISP) was formed in October 2001 to provide engineering and technical consulting and advisory services to the spacecraft space propulsion sector, primarily within Europe.
Anchored on a long and broad experience of the industry, ISP consultants provide insight and heritage to spacecraft propulsion projects, underpinning projects with lessons and knowledge drawn from past experiences, ranging from early European platforms such as OTS and Olympus, through Cluster and ATV, to Cryosat and the Galileo programme.Since its inception, ISP has expanded and evolved to meet both the market and client’s requirements as efficiently as possible.
In 2001, the Company performed a single subsystem engineering support role on the procurement and provision of propulsion equipment to the Radarsat 2 programme. By 2008, the Company had grown to 5 full-time (and the retention of service of one Part-time) Consultant working with various European clients, in Design and Procurement Engineering; Production; Test and Launch; Project Management; Chemistry; and Mechanical Services. The Company continues to strive to identify and develop both its markets and Customer base.
We are looking forward to a new and energetic expansion into new markets: through innovation of approach; identifying and meeting niche requirements; and developing new partnerships in Europe, the US and in the developing space world.
The level of available experience and expertise in propulsion system design and development, production and deployment is in decline. While established members of the discipline retire, too few new graduates and those with long-term ambitions in the field are coming forward to replace them.
ISP provides continuity for propulsion contractors in these areas: fulfilling immediate needs for experienced technical staff and allowing time to focus on training their future workforce whilst providing guidance in fundamental approaches and building of in-house knowledge. ISP aims to bring together talented and dedicated individuals from many varied sources with the experience and knowledge of the best European space propulsion techniques, practices and lessons-learned, to provide a support service of the highest quality, to benefit all clients.
ISP operates a flexible and highly mobile business plan, which ensures rapid response and maximum efficiency to bring customers the value they require.
Unlike the major contractors, we perform spacecraft propulsion support as our core business, which means we have the enthusiasm, expertise and know-how to meet any challenge and any circumstance that may occur, to the highest industrial standards, within challenging timeframes.
We support legal procedures, such as arbitration or damages claims, from an impartial and unbiased standpoint.
Our knowledge of component and system operation, industrial procedures, protocols and processes allow us to approach each case with the required technical perspective and our independence gives us the freedom to judge cases on merit and apply the necessary neutrality.
The Company has been actively supporting European space efforts since its inception, but the experience, reputations and heritage of our Consultants demonstrates their depth of involvement and pivotal roles performed over many years in the industry.
The industrial heritage within the industry that our personnel bring to bear includes design, production, test and launch support in many successful programmes, with most of the large European contractors, namely:
Radarsat 2 design and procurement support.
Cryosat I & II CGPS Project Management
Propulsion 2000 study
Propellant production analytical support.
Current Programmes:
Vega AVUM LPS tank - a development program to develop tank and expulsion technology in support of the Vega launch vehicle Upper Stage (AVUM) evolution. ISP has provided Project Management support since July 2012. The program authority has transferred from the facility in Wolverhampton, UK, to Augsburg.
Galileo FOC - design and definition support to procurement of the propulsion subsystems for PFM, 13 FM + 1EM/1SM. The role has involved overseeing and supporting the Propulsion supplier's activities to provide an effective interface to overcome cultural hurdles and maintain a full-time Customer presence for real-time handling of technical and programmatic issues as they arise. In addition, on-going preparation work is being performed for propulsion module Integration and Test activities at the Customer facility in Bremen, Germany.
Solar Orbiter - working closely with Customer in Sweden, providing engineering support to proposal and initial design phases of bi-propellant propulsion system: currently in the finalisation of the equipment specifications, continuing with the preparations for propulsion system PDR.
[S]PACE - the Space Propulsion Awareness CoursE, completed with ESA funding, is fully available. Order books are now open. Follow links to [S]PACE through this site, or visit www.space-propulsion.eu.
PAMELA - the development of the Propulsion Analysis Module - External Laboratory commenced in December 2011. The facility, planned for process completion and implementation in Q2 2012, will allow rapid and reliable on-site analysis of propellants to current material standards, at a fraction of the time and cost currently available elsewhere. This will be of great interest to all users of sites without such facilities, as well as service suppliers and contractors. More information on the facility, including enquiry details, will be issued closer to completion.
With ESA assistance and guidance, we have developed a spacecraft propulsion awareness course for engineers, technicians and managers working within the propulsion field. The course covers a concise background history, as well as methodology, approaches and philosophies widely used but often misunderstood.
Documentation preparation, reliability and best practice have been included to allow those involved in all areas to achieve greater efficiency and understanding of required tasks. The course incorporates component design and operation, hazards and precautions, the importance of trend analysis and reliability, and subsystem testing.
PACE for Space
Satellite propulsion awareness course for: Trainees, graduates, technical professionals, managers, administrators, delegates from insurance companies, end-users and mission operatives, other interested parties.
A residential course featuring discussion, practical demonstrations and industrial perspectives, with attachment to Westcott - one of the UK’s principal space heritage sites. The course will be held in English.
An awareness course, run over 3 or 4 days, delivering:
The objective of the course will be to enable professionals already involved in propulsion activities to gain insight and guidance concerning general propulsion industrial approach and accepted practice applied throughout the field.
The course should appeal to managers, designers, engineers, or technical staff alike, providing a background of European propulsion heritage, as well as a broad overview of applicable protocols that should be applied at various levels of the discipline, in order to ensure European industry maintains high levels of performance, reliability and quality of product.
Format and content approved by European Space Agency.
Leading to a Certificate of Assessment allowing industrial contractors to assess individual interest and establish suitability for further training.
The course will be delivered by individuals with a long heritage, broad knowledge and depth of experience in the space propulsion discipline.
Courses will be offered on the following schemes:
Open List
maximum number of delegates 20, course performed at premises in UK, 4-day residential course; all costs met, except transfer and flights. Open List course may contain a mix of delegates from other companies. Course may contain SCAPE demonstration and simulated fluid operations.
Closed List
reserved for delegates from, or invited by, an individual Customer: minimum number of delegates 6, course performed either in UK (see above), or at Customer-arranged premises, without extras. These courses will be arranged at convenience of the Customer, depending on tutor availability.
Readiness for RussiaThe Russia trip was designed to be a unique opportunity for students to experience the history of Russian space exploration programmes from the first satellite probes in the 1950s to present day and the construction of the international space station. Students will experience master classes from scientists and innovators in the field of space exploration from Korolev City.
Students will visit the space corporation, Energia, to see many artefacts from the Russian space programmes and gain an understanding of the culture and language of Russia through a visit to the Kremlin, Red Square and other historical places in and around Moscow.
Professor Alexander Martynov, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the City of Korolev, the home of the Russian Space Mission Control is an engineer who sees no problem in sending humans to Mars. His message to 400 young people to our students and those from Haywood, St Peters and Thistly Hough High School in the audience was “We are planning to send man to Mars in 2035, but we don’t yet know exactly how it can be done. You are the scientists, doctors, pilots, engineers and psychologists of the future. You will come up with the ideas to make it happen!”
ISP International Space Propulsion Ltd
Building 253
Westcott Venture Park
Westcott, Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP18 0XB
+44 7733 116562
+44 1296 652298
+44 1296 652297
ISP International Space Propulsion Ltd. provides engineering technical and advisory support to the space propulsion industry.
We offer Engineering services in the design, production and testing of satellite subsystems, project and programme management and procurement support.
We provide training for professionals and students alike.
We offer mechanical and chemical services in the supply and test of liquid propellants, mobile analysis (PAMELA), material compatibility investigations, and equipment design.
We provide advisory roles in health & safety, legal/arbitration, product assurance and logistics.
We'd like to hear from you! Let us know your views, questions, or suggestions. We endeavour to answer all reasonable points.
Feel free to contact us through the Message Centre opposite.
We want you to engage with us, expand your interest and knowledge, and with your support, enable us all to reach out, explore and discover the wonders of space.
Bremen, May 3rd, 2012 - After the delivery of the first payload by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) in April, the first of a series of 22 Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites, developed under contract with the European Space Agency, has now been assembled and is being prepared for the testing phase. Having completed the payload integration into the satellite, OHB sticks to the tight schedule with a delivery date of the first complete satellite by the end of this year. At OHB’s facilities in Bremen, the first flight satellite is now integrated with the platform, manufactured by OHB System, the propulsion module delivered by AMPAC-ISP, Niagara Falls, USA, and the payload delivered by SSTL, Guildford, UK.
Marco R. Fuchs, CEO of OHB, stated: "We are very proud to have reached this important milestone after only 27 months from the programme’s kick-off in January 2010. We are looking forward to finalise the test programme and then to transfer the satellite to the environmental test campaign.“ The completion of the production island facilities for the series production of the Galileo FOC satellites takes shape in parallel, while production of the second flight satellite has already started and the pre-assembly work on Flight Model number three is ongoing as well. OHB System is the prime contractor for the construction of 22 satellites for the Galileo system and is responsible for developing the satellite bus and for integrating the satellites. SSTL is developing and constructing the navigation payload and additionally assisting OHB with the final assembly of the satellites. The satellites undergo final assembly in Bremen.

* The Full Operational Capability phase of the Galileo programme is managed and fully funded by the European Union. The Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission. The views expressed in this Press Release can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. "Galileo" is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.
We currently provide our Clients and partners with consultancy services in the following areas:
Received from OHB Sweden:
"OHB-Sweden found in ISP team the knowledgeable, responsive and responsible people who can support the on-going activities as well as proposal work with a highly professional and none the less friendly attitude. This combination brings much added value in the workplace at critical time and open long term perspective".
Received from AMPAC-ISP, Niagara Falls, NY:
"I had the good fortune of working with Paul for a little over two years when he was stationed in the U.S. serving as a technical consultant for OHB-System at our assembly facility in Niagara Falls New York. Paul's familiarity with European standards and processes, along with his positive attitude and detailed technical guidance, was instrumental in aligning our heritage U.S. design verification methods with the European equivalents."
"Complex propulsion system design parameters are challenging beasts even within one company or one culture, let alone two companies and multiple cultures. Paul consistently demonstrated high levels of integrity in helping to resolve design issues through both PDR and CDR phases and continued to employ his keen eye for detail during the MRR and delivery phases of the project."
"It was a pleasure to learn from and work with Paul. I highly recommend his technical consultancy services and wish him the best in future endeavors, even if he does pronounce aluminum funny."
George Litts, Galileo OCS Program Manager.
ISP supports subsystem engineering design and procurement activities, exploiting the expertise and experience of its personnel, built up over many years dealing with common suppliers, both in Europe and in the US.
The role requires a detailed knowledge of the design, construction and operation of each component, from the complex pressure regulator to the more basic hydraulic tubing and fittings.
The Company has provided support to propellant and pressurant tank procurement, as well as for pyrotechnic valves and all other major equipment found in propulsion subsystems, and procurement of complete systems.
Our depth of involvement in a variety of different types of propulsion subsystems over 40 years allows us to advise constructively on design, configuration and layout issues, with added consideration to production, test and operating restrictions that may manifest themselves.
We apply the same consideration to our procurement support, whether for propellants, raw materials, tubing and fittings, components or complete systems.
ISP can also provide support to Launch/Early Operation Phase (LEOP) operations, or spacecraft mission operation.
We pay attention to detail, focus on critical areas and strive to secure the product in compliance to requirements.
Owing to the hostile nature of the environment our systems must operate in, industrial confidence depends on the demonstration of safety and reliability.
In order to achieve this, ISP support services reflect the current state-of-the-art with respect to accepted practice, material and process specifications, standards of workmanship and product quality.
We support all aspects of product assurance and quality engineering, as well as providing expertise to evaluate systems and supporting ground equipment and protocols so as to maximise perceived reliability and increase Customer confidence.
A fully-equipped, CE-certified laboratory, allowing on-site analysis of hazardous fluids, in a secure working and storage environment for operation in the harshest surroundings.
The container was finally delivered in September, following final unpowered verification at the Supplier. A small incident occurred during loading which delayed the delivery by a further week.
Powered verification at our test site was delayed owing to a non-compliant supply board. In addition, the test resource availability was temprorarily inadequate to perform all the required activities, which included some late modifications and finishing steps. These resource shortfalls have now been cleared.
It is hoped that the commissioning will be completed in January 2013.
Further updates will be posted in due course.
