Airbus plans to install liquid nitrogen tank at Portsmouth Anchorage Park for satellite testing

Under a planning application submitted to Portsmouth City Council, the company is proposing to install an 8m tall tank on a concrete plinth.

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Airbus Defence and Space, which operates the facility, is a hub for work developing and building satellite technology. It said its Anchorage Park site is 'one of the best equipped state-of-the art development, assembly, test, and production facilities in the space industry'.

'The principle of installing a liquid nitrogen system at the Airbus DS site is essential to support the function of the site as a testing facility for satellite communications,' a statement submitted with the planning application says.

'The location of the system has been carefully considered to meet its operational requirements and will minimise any visual impact.'

The application was submitted due to the close proximity of the site to the Hilsea Lines conservation area and the Hilsea Lines scheduled ancient monument. However, it said this system would have a 'negligible' impact on these designations.

A deadline of January 16 has been set by the council for reaching a decision.

Airbus has been in Portsmouth for more than 50 years and works on developing and building telecommunications, scientific, earth observation and meteorology satellite payloads and telecommunications products as well as ground terminals.

It is involved in many space development and testing projects as well as radar design and manufacture.