Redwire delivers flight computer for ESAs Comet Interceptor mission targeting primordial comet

Written by Copernical Team Wednesday, 28 May 2025 11:05

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 28, 2025

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) has delivered the onboard computer for the European Space Agency's Comet Interceptor mission, marking a significant milestone in the development of the pioneering spacecraft. The system, produced by Redwire's Belgian subsidiary Redwire Space NV, will act as the central processing unit for the mission, managing spacecraft systems and relaying essential data to Eart

Redwire delivers flight computer for ESAs Comet Interceptor mission targeting primordial comet
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 28, 2025

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) has delivered the onboard computer for the European Space Agency's Comet Interceptor mission, marking a significant milestone in the development of the pioneering spacecraft. The system, produced by Redwire's Belgian subsidiary Redwire Space NV, will act as the central processing unit for the mission, managing spacecraft systems and relaying essential data to Earth.

This computer, part of the third-generation Advanced Data and Power Management System (ADPMS-3), was supplied under contract with OHB Italia S.p.A. It will be key to controlling Comet Interceptor, the first mission designed to encounter a comet originating from the outer solar system, preserving ancient material from the formation of the Solar System.

"We are proud to have accomplished this exciting milestone alongside our partners OHB Italy and ESA, which brings the first-of-its-kind Comet Interceptor mission one step closer to launch," said Mike Gold, Redwire President of Civil and International Space Business. "With 25 years of flight heritage, a strong track record of success, and the Redwire team's unparalleled avionics expertise, Redwire's ADPMS-3 is a critical, enabling technology for today's most ambitious European and multinational space missions."

The flight computer was subjected to rigorous validation, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and electromagnetic compatibility tests, before being delivered to OHB Italia for final integration. Scheduled for a 2029 launch, the Comet Interceptor mission will benefit from a flight-proven system that also supports ESA's Hera mission, part of the planetary defense program linked to the Double Asteroid Redirection Test.

Redwire's Belgian team brings over four decades of experience in spaceflight systems. It has previously led ESA's Proba series-Proba-1, Proba-2, and Proba-V-which together boast over 50 years of cumulative flight without failure. The company continues to support various ESA initiatives including Skimsat, the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism for the lunar Gateway, and the formation-flying solar observation Proba-3 mission.