Sener Polska develops advanced flight mechanisms for the Vigil space mission of the European Space Agency

Sener Polska is working on creating airborne mechanism models, which will be a part of a satellite mission called Vigil from the European Space Agency. This project, executed under a contract with Leonardo, requires advanced knowledge of system engineering and experience in missions that combine aspects of space protection and scientific research. The Vigil mission aims to contribute to the better protection of the Earth and its orbital infrastructure from solar phenomena. From the perspective of the Polish space sector, this could be one project in which a significant part of the systems will be created domestically.

Vigil, as the first European mission, will focus on constant monitoring of solar activity and space weather, and provide data about potential threats to infrastructure in space and on Earth. In this mission, Sener Polska will be responsible for the development of a shield opening mechanism, which will play a key role in protecting the heliographic instrument (HI) from contamination during both preparations for launch and during ascension into orbit. Upon reaching the destination in the Lagrange L5 point, the panel of the mechanism will open, facilitating the operation of the instrument in space.

Flight models – a project at the highest level

Given the complexity of the project, the development of mechanisms for the Vigil mission represents a new level of technological advancement for Sener Polska. As explained by Michał Podkowik, Project Manager at Sener Polska:

The developed mechanism must meet the challenges associated with operating in extremely low temperatures and the specific conditions of the L5 point, where it will operate. Our engineers will design a device based on HDRM and DEM mechanisms, combined with a composite panel, to deliver a fully comprehensive solution.
 
The system being developed for Vigil includes three models: a structural one for testing, a qualifying one, and a final, fully flight-ready model. Sener Polska is one of the few Polish companies that have secured contracts to supply such complex mechanisms in all these versions, including the flight ones, which as part of spacecraft, will journey into space. Whilst creating the mechanisms for Vigil, Sener Polska will utilize the experience gained from missions such as Athena and PROBA-3.

Mechanisms for Vigil will be a Polish product

Importantly, the mechanisms for Vigil will be entirely manufactured in Poland. Sener Polska, as the main contractor, will cooperate with national and international partners in purchasing components and conducting environmental tests at the instrument level, which will be carried out at the Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation (ILOT) laboratory.

The work will commence in December 2024 and last until July 2027. Sener Polska is carrying out the task based on a contract with Leonardo S.p.A., which is responsible for the main HI instrument, while the entire spacecraft will be under the responsibility of Airbus Defence and Space.

Vigil mission with the potential for large participation of domestic companies

Sener Polska’s engagement in such an advanced project shows that Polish companies are ready to carry out complex and innovative tasks in international space projects. The mechanisms and devices to be developed for future Vigil-related tasks correspond with the competencies held by domestic businesses and institutions of the space sector. This means that Vigil has the potential to become an important mission for Poles, where representatives of the national sector will have a significant role. However, the execution of further projects under its framework will be decided by representatives of the ESA member countries during the Ministerial Council, scheduled for November 2025.

Even now, Sener is trying to build consortia with potential business partners to increase Poland’s presence in the VIGIL mission.