Danish Space Company Chases one of the Universe's Greatest Mysteries

Lystrup: Terma is proud to announce its significant contributions to the EUCLID mission, a groundbreaking space endeavor led by the European Space Agency (ESA). The EUCLID cosmology survey mission will feature a launch of a satellite on July 1, 2023, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The Terma state-of-the-art equipment and expertise play a crucial role in enabling the success of this ambitious scientific mission, which aims to investigate the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

Dark matter is an elusive and invisible substance that constitutes a significant portion of the universe, which has captivated scientists for decades. By investigating dark matter and energy, the EUCLID mission aims to shed light on its nature and role in the formation and evolution of cosmic structures.

On board the spacecraft, Terma has contributed with the power conditioning and distribution unit (PCDU), which provides power to ensure the sustained and reliable operation of the EUCLID satellite. This unit has a very high efficiency to make best use of the available power, enabling the successful execution of scientific measurements and data collection during the mission's lifespan.

During ground testing, Terma supplies advanced test equipment that ensures the satellite's readiness for its cosmic journey. For EUCLID, the Terma test equipment forms a major part of the tools used to qualify the spacecraft. This includes the simulation of the solar panels and instruments, ensuring their functionality and performance in the challenging space environment.

For the spacecraft operations, which will be conducted by the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Terma developed an operational simulator, providing a detailed simulation of the EUCLID satellite for the flight control team. It is used during simulation campaigns to train the team for any eventuality they may encounter during the mission. This covers both normal and contingency operations, to help them learn how to identify and solve problems as quickly as possible. Also, Terma is responsible for supplying power to the EUCLID satellite during pre-launch preparations. The power is supplied through an umbilical connection, which ensures the satellite receives the necessary power to undergo final tests and system verifications.

Terma also provided the Central Checkout System – the result of a joint effort between Terma Netherlands and ATOS Romania. This is an example of one of the many co-operations that led to Terma’s acquisition of the three ATOS entities earlier this year.

The launch will be attended by a Terma representatives ensuring the functionality of all Terma equipment featured in the mission. The launch event will be live-streamed, providing the public and space enthusiasts with an opportunity to witness this exciting moment in space exploration. The live stream can be found here.

Terma is proud to contribute to another international space mission, showcasing its dedication and commitment to advancing space exploration in the pursuit of understanding dark matter, dark energy, and the secrets of the Universe.

For more information, please contact Kim Plauborg, Senior Director BU Space Systems, at kp@terma.com.