New Thales Space Centre Officially Opens In Belfast

The new Thales space propulsion facilities in Belfast has been officially opened by Astronaut Tim Peake CMG from the European Space Agency (ESA).

First Minister Arlene Foster and Economy Minister Simon Hamilton also attended the event.

Thales, Thales Alenia Space and Invest Northern Ireland invested £6 million in the project.

Arlene Foster said: "The Space Sector is an important emerging market with exciting commercial opportunities. We must ensure local businesses maximise their capabilities and expertise to position Northern Ireland as a globally recognised region for space sector innovation and expertise.

"Tim Peake's historic six-month stay on the International Space Station did so much to educate and inspire all of us. Like Tim, we also have a mission. We must open engagement between industry, academia and government to develop Northern Ireland as a globally recognised region for space sector innovation."

Minister Hamilton added: "Space inspires young people, scientists and engineers. Whilst driving innovation, the advances in this sector are an enabler of communication, entertainment and academic research. Our ambition is to exploit future market opportunities and develop a world class space cluster, capable of contributing to future high profile initiatives."

Magali Vaissiere, ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, commented: "Neosat aims to help European satellite builders to capture at least half of the world's satcom market in the years to come. The opening of this dedicated facility in Belfast is an important milestone in the electric propulsion revolution."



Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

(CD/LM)