Nasa’s ICESat-2 satellite features navigation system and payload adapter developed by RUAG Space. Credit: © RUAG Group.

RUAG Space has built the navigation system and payload adapter for use in Nasa’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2).

The RUAG Space Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and RUAG Space Payload Adapter were delivered to Northrop Grumman, which developed and built the satellite.

The satellite was recently launched onboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.

The ICESat-2 satellite is designed to measure changes in glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice, as well as the impact of such changes on people and environments around the globe.

“We look forward to being a significant part of another Nasa mission as RUAG Space continues to engage in new opportunities to expand our footprint in the US space market.”

It will use the RUAG Space GNSS navigation receivers to maintain its position to a critical few centimeters. The receivers will also enable the satellite’s multi-beam laser system to precisely measure the thickness of ice layers.

The satellite has used the RUAG Space Payload Adapter to connect to the rocket during launch, and then separate from the launcher.

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RUAG Space manufactured a number of electronics parts for the ICESat-2 satellite.

RUAG Space CEO Peter Guggenbach said: “We look forward to being a significant part of another Nasa mission as RUAG Space continues to engage in new opportunities to expand our footprint in the US space market.”

Last week, RUAG Space signed a partnership agreement with aerospace supplier SWISSto12 to provide advanced active antenna solutions for high throughput satellites.

The partnership aims to develop, design and build phased array antenna products, using the offerings of both RUAG Space and SWISSto12.