A county Armagh company is playing a key role in the search for life on the planet Jupiter.
Springco is part of the European Space Agency’s mission which will observe the planet and its three largest moons from a satellite known as the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.
The Portadown company manufactures and supplies springs for a wide range of uses and has been involved in a number of space missions over the last 30 years, including the upcoming mission to Jupiter.
Juice will launch into space onboard a Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana in April before journeying for eight years to Jupiter’s solar system. The European Space Agency confirmed this week that the satelitte had arrived safely at its launch site.
Its objectives are to learn how such worlds might harbour life and studying the Jupiter system as a model for complex environments around gas giant planets across the Universe.
Springco said its team, headed by Group Operations Director Connor Jordan, has established a real heritage in the global space sector.
“Springco have been actively involved in supplying quality spring solutions into a number of different Space Missions over the past 30 years,” Mr Jordan said. “Our specialism and wide range of spring products satisfy all safety parameters for supply into Space.
“Springco have launched a new Research & Development Department currently looking into the development of new spring materials primarily for Deep Space activities. We are actively looking for collaborative partners and are always open to discussion.”
