Airbus Defence and Space has signed a cooperation agreement with Snecma (Safran) for the use of Snecma's PPS5000 engine in Airbus Defence and Space's Eurostar satellites, for missions in which electric propulsion is required for positioning manoeuvres.

Under the terms of the agreement, Snecma - Safran Group's aerospace engine manufacturer - will develop and qualify the new PPS5000 plasma propulsion engine for its use onboard the Eurostar E3000 platform. For its part, Airbus Defence and Space will adapt its platform to house the new engine.

Eric Beranger, Head of Programmes at Space Systems, said: "We are delighted with this agreement, which is a continuation of the work we have been carrying out with the support of the French government and its agencies to equip ourselves with electric propulsion solutions that offer the highest performance.

"This agreement further enhances Airbus Defence and Space's range of all-electric satellites, which we launched on the market in early 2014."

David Quancard, the head of Snecma's space engines division, commented: "This agreement between Snecma and one of the world's leading prime contractors of satellites affirms the investment our company has been making for more than 20 years now in becoming a world leader in electric propulsion for satellites.

"It reflects the French Space Agency's (CNES) ongoing support for French manufacturers in this area of expertise."