UK supplier helps satellites into orbit

The PPS 1350 plasma thruster, developed by French aerospace manufacturer, Snecma, has developed systems based on plasma propulsion rather that traditional chemical propulsion. A Snecma spokesperson explained that this results in lower weight, longer service life and greater operational flexibility. An earlier version of the thruster successfully propelled the European Space Agency's Smart-1 lunar probe into orbit around the moon, logging over 5000 hours of operation. Goodfellow's managing director, Stephen Aldersley, said: "We have been providing aerospace firms such as Snecma with metals and materials for use in a variety of applications over many years. It's very gratifying to know that we have contributed in some small way to the remarkable achievements that continue to result from these development efforts."