Swiss Space Systems S3 develops its activities in Spain

S3 established a company in Spain to pursue its targets in the European market. The company will be run by Augusto Caramagno, currently in charge of Business Development of Southern Europe and Africa for S3 Holding. Augusto previously worked for Elecnor Deimos and has extensive knowledge of the aerospace stakeholders in Spain and beyond. “Spain represents a destination of choice for S3 to achieve its objectives, both in terms of engineering and operations” outlines Augusto Caramagno “The main reasons for that lay in the maturity and track record of the Spanish aerospace sector, and the availability of airport infrastructure at various suitable locations for S3 operations”. The company aims to create 80 permanent jobs between now and 2017 considering the activities planned for S3-‐Spain and its partners.

In order to reinforce its presence in the country, S3 Spain will count on a strong network of partners of its own. Besides Elecnor and Elecnor Deimos, Sener and Aernnova Engineering have both signed agreements with S3.Sener and Elecnor Deimos will cooperate with S3 on the design of the on-­board control system, while Aernnova Engineering will contribute to the aero-­structure of the S3 system.

These companies intend to form an “Association of Partners of S3” to coordinate their efforts on the European market. “It is important to be on the same page to help develop the S3 project. We, as Spanish partners, are supporting S3 in the Engineering of the sub-orbital flight system (SFS)” said Diego Rodríguez, SENER Space and Defense Director.

Spain will serve as European operations center for S3
The Payerne (Switzerland) S3 headquarters will remain the place where the main Research& Development is being conducted. The manufacturing of the elements and subsystems of the SOAR and upper­‐stage will be done by partners abroad, in Spain among other countries. The assembly, integration and initial tests of the shuttle will be conducted in Payerne.

The Canary Islands region represents a perfect location to have test facilities for subsystems, mock‐up, engines and complete system flight tests in 2017. A Spaceport would be built there for the integration of satellites with the SFS and first commercial launches in 2018. This infrastructure could also offer sub-­orbital manned flights in a later phase. Before these launches, Gran Canary will also be a key area for S3, as it will be the first European location for Zero-­G flights to be operated for research and leisure purposes.