[Satellite TODAY Insider 12-15-10] Astrium and the The Space Research Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN) have created Astri Polska, a joint venture that will focus on developing space technologies, applications and services for both Polish and international customers, Astrium announced Dec. 14.

The joint venture is part of the Astrium Central Europe (ACE) program, an initiative to get Astrium more involved in Central European markets and to strengthen its cooperation with new European Union (EU) countries that aim to become part of the European Space Agency (ESA). Astri Polska initially will have eight employees, with a goal to expand to a staff of 30 by the end of 2011.

    Astrium Vice President of Research and Development Brigitte Serrault told Satellite TODAY Insider that the deal was significant step for the company’s footprint in Poland. “We consider Poland as a space applications and services market and as a supplier and a partner of the future space programs. We were looking for a footprint in Poland to develop our space supply chain and new applications and services with industry in Poland. However, as there is a very strong academic basis but limited industrial interests in space until now, we decided to work with our CDK PAN partner in Poland. We are cooperating with different Polish institutes mainly on European and security research projects, and we are also funding academia to support future research projects. We also expect to launch new services for Polish regions.”

    Astri Polska will focus on developing space technologies and applications for Polish and international customers, especially in the areas of spacecraft electronics, photonics and materials, as well as in Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications services. 

    A key focus for the joint venture will be developing tailored satellite applications for end users, particularly in the areas of disaster management and security. Serrault said the company already has demonstrated the use of space-based information with firemen and first responders in the spring 2010 floods in Poland. “We would like to develop such further disasters warning and management in Poland for possible natural disasters and the security of big events,” she said.

    Serrault hopes Astri Polska can help its parent company expand its presence further into Eastern Europe in 2011 and replicate its success in other territories, such as its Hungarian subsidiary with partner Infoterra. “Estonia and Romania are under investigation. The case of Poland is not similar as it is a public private enterprise. The Hungarian subsidiary is currently the biggest, as it the oldest, but we are ambitious for the Poland joint venture. Each country has its specific characteristics and must be handled in a particular way. Discussions are ongoing in other territories,” she said.

Related Stories-

French Military: Third Satellite Possible Under $1.1 Billion Optical Space Contract    Satellite Today   December 3, 2010
[Satellite TODAY Insider 12-03-10] Astrium and Thales Alenia Space will build two high-resolution reconnaissance satellites for the French Defense Ministry under a $1.1 billion contract issued to the manufacturers Nov. 30, Astrium announced Dec…

2010 In Review: Active Despite Economic Issues   Via Satellite   December 1, 2010
2010 proved to be a solid year for the satellite sector during an economic pe riod that has curtailed many other business around the globe. Satellite companies remained active in all areas, introducing new business and growth initiatives that…

Arianespace Launches Intelsat 17, Hylas 1   Satellite Today   November 29, 2010
[Satellite TODAY 11-29-10] Arianespace launched the Intelsat 17 and Hylas 1 satellites Nov. 26 on an Ariane 5 rocket, Arianespace announced. Hylas 1 is Avanti s first satellite and will provide broadband Internet access and telecommunications…