Tesat-Spacecom
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Telecommunications |
| Predecessor | AEG Telefunken Nachrichtentechnik GmbH, Bosch SatCom GmbH |
| Founded | 2001 in Backnang, Germany |
| Fate | Acquired by EADS Astrium GmbH in December 2001 |
| Headquarters | Backnang , Germany |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Communication payloads for satellites, traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA), electronic power conditioners (EPC), channel amplifiers, filters, multiplexers, modulators, transmitters, TTC transponders, laser communication terminals |
| Owner | Airbus Defence and Space |
Number of employees | 1020 (2019) |
| Parent | Airbus Defence and Space |
Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG (TESAT), headquartered in Backnang, Germany, operates as a fully autonomous subsidiary under Airbus Defence and Space. The company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and validating communication payloads for satellite producers worldwide.
History
The foundation of TESAT dates back to 1949 when the telecommunications branch of AEG moved from Berlin to Backnang. Subsequently, in 1955, the microwave radio relay division of AEG transferred from Ulm to Backnang, which led to the creation of Telefunken GmbH.
On March 1, 1967, AEG Telefunken AG was established with a focus on aerospace-related development, sales, assembly, and testing activities. In 1982, it was rebranded as AEG Telefunken Nachrichtentechnik GmbH, with AEG-Telefunken owning 51% and a group including Robert Bosch GmbH, Mannesmann, and Allianz holding the remaining 49%.
After corporate restructuring in 1983, the company operated under the name ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH. In 1995, ANT became part of Bosch Telecom GmbH, and by the year 2000, the space technology segment was reorganized as Bosch SatCom GmbH.
The entity was renamed Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co.KG in 2001 and was acquired by EADS Astrium GmbH later that December. TESAT broadened its product range to include payloads for intelligence satellites while preserving its operational independence.
In February 2022, TESAT revealed plans to inaugurate a manufacturing site in the United States to strengthen its international production capabilities.
Milestones
- 1971: TESAT contributed to its inaugural space mission with the Intelsat IV project.
- 1989: Appointed as lead contractor for the Deutsche Telekom Kopernikus Satellites.
- 2006: Served as a primary supplier for the first Bundeswehr satellite, SAR-Lupe.
- 2007: Achieved the maiden flight of TESAT’s laser communication terminal (LCT) aboard the Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE); followed by the initial ISL with TerraSAR-X in 2008.
- 2013: Produced its 10,000th unit of the EPC.
- 2018: Established more than 10,000 laser communication links in orbit.
Finances
| Year | Revenue in m. EUR€ |
Net income in m. EUR€ |
Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 182.65 | 7.74 | 897 |
| 2011 | 208.85 | 10.00 | 996 |
| 2012 | 301.29 | -13.95 | 1101 |
| 2013 | 267.11 | 11.68 | 1187 |
| 2014 | 331.60 | 2.61 | 1150 |
| 2015 | 427.75 | 50.30 | 1137 |
| 2016 | 317.08 | 2.45 | 1129 |
| 2017 | 218.85 | -10.61 | 1093 |
| 2018 | 245.03 | -10.83 | 1038 |
| 2019 | 263.33 | 0.01 | 1020 |
| 2020 | 188.42 | ||
| 993 |
Products
TESAT delivers an extensive range of products, spanning from individual components to fully integrated payload systems, serving satellite manufacturers around the globe. Its core offerings include high-power amplifiers such as traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA) along with their associated power supplies (Power conditioners or EPCs). The product lineup also comprises channel amplifiers, filters, multiplexers, modulators, transmitters, and TTC transponders.
Active products
- Microwave Power Module (MPM)
- Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA)
- Electronic Power Conditioner (EPC)
- Linearized Channel Amplifier (LCAMP)
- Traveling-wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA)
- Multiport Amplifier (MPA)
Passive components
- Multiplexer and Demultiplexer (IMUX/OMUX)
- Waveguide Switches
- Component assemblies
Datalink solutions
- Modulators
- Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) Transponder
- Downlink transmitter units
Laser technology products
- Laser communication terminal devices
Support services
- Production, evaluation, and engineering support
- In-orbit activation and commissioning
- EEE Parts Agency services