Thales - Engineering the future of space
The Client
Thales Alenia Space has been a leading global space manufacturer for more than 40 years, delivering high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to its diversity of skills, talents, and cultures, Thales Alenia Space enables customers (including governments, institutions, space agencies, and telecommunications operators) to connect, secure and defend, observe and protect, explore, travel, and navigate in space.
The Added value of our Consultant Stéphane
Following a strong background in hardware and software development, as well as in validation and qualification, Stéphane joined VeroTech in 2021 as a consultant. He took on the role of ATE software developer at Thales Alenia Space Belgium in Charleroi, where he became deeply involved in the development of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) systems. His work was carried out under the TASB Pepyt environment, with a focus on Python programming, debugging, technical support, and project follow-up. These ATE systems are critical production test platforms used to validate printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and complete satellite modules before deployment.
In this position, Stéphane contributed to a wide range of projects, each requiring tailored procedures and methods for ATE implementation. Among these were a multi-purpose telecommunications satellite platform, a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for the Major ESA Earth Observation program, a medium-power Hall-effect thruster designed for satellite repositioning and propulsion, and the altimeter project. The latter involved the development of tests of a switched-mode power supply unit for ESA’s Earth observation satellites, enabling precise measurements of ice and snow levels in the Ku and Ka radar bands. The altimeter project was particularly demanding, as Stéphane was responsible for test development from the earliest design stages through to final production. The ATE software he implemented was continuously refined and adapted to validate the module’s functionalities during prototype development and into full-scale manufacturing.
His role required a broad and versatile skill set, combining software implementation with hands-on hardware expertise. Stéphane’s activities included operating and controlling a diverse array of test equipment to validate remote control units, perform detailed power supply measurements and characterization, and manage input/output systems. He also worked on motor control for solar panels, orbit positioning tools, power distribution units, and propulsion systems. Beyond these, he was actively involved in environmental and reliability testing, such as vibration and shock tests, calibration and verification, screening and thermal cycling, thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) signature analysis. His work also encompassed the integration and validation of various communication protocols, ensuring that the systems met stringent aerospace standards.
Through these projects, Stéphane demonstrated not only technical expertise but also adaptability and problem-solving skills, successfully bridging the gap between software and hardware in complex aerospace applications. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the reliability and performance of satellite systems used in telecommunications, Earth observation, and propulsion.
The Added value of our Consultant Gilles
Gilles joined Verotech at the end of 2022 and started working at Thales Alenia Space Belgium (TAS-B) in their Leuven site, in the same city where he graduated from university just months before.
He joined TAS-B as an engineer in the ‘microsolutions’ team. The goal was to qualify some of the in house ASIC’s so that they can be used in their space equipment. This qualification ensures that the ASIC’s are robust against the brutal space environment. This means (amongst others) setting up and performing radiation tests.
Since the spring of 2025, Gilles also started working on a part of the electronic design of the PCDU (power control & distribution unit) for the Lunar View module for the lunar Gateway. The PCDU will control, protect and connect different power busses of the Gateway as part of this Lunar View module (previously known as ESPRIT Refuelling Module: ERM). The PCDU will be present in the inhabited zone of the Gateway and is serviceable by the astronauts. The design is challenging due to the many strict requirements coming from ESA & NASA, while also designing something that can be used later on in the product line of TAS-B.