Lunar Gateway I-HAB module
SpaceTech develops structural parts for Lunar Gateway I-HAB module
The Lunar Gateway is a key element in the Artemis Program, a NASA-led international manned spaceflight program, currently scheduled to orbit the Moon starting in 2024. The Gateway will be used as an outpost for astronauts on their way to the Moon, and as a laboratory to carry out scientific research. The I-HAB is a pressurized module that will provide the crew’s living quarters, resources for pressurized and unpressurized scientific experiments; plus docking ports to supply vehicles in transit.
Thales Alenia Space is leading the race in the development of pressurized modules, providing half of the pressurized volume for the International Space Station and the first two pressurized modules for the AXIOM commercial space station. In addition to the development of the I-HAB module for the Lunar Gateway, Thales Alenia Space will design and manufacture the ESPRIT refueling and communications module and the HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module in partnership with Northrop Grumman.
Being part of the all-SME consortium with SPACE STRUCTURES GmbH as prime contractor, SpaceTech, signs responsible for the development and manufacturing of a mechanism, allowing for the hinging in and out of the secondary structure. This hinging mechanism is a key part, providing access to the astronauts on board to important devices, tubes or valves that are placed on the exterior shell or behind the solar panels of the spacecraft for maintenance, modification or repair. SpaceTech focusses in the development on accessibility, reliability, operability on the ground for integration and by astronauts in weightlessness.
Image credit: Thales Alenia Space
Milestone for SpaceTech solar arrays
Milestone for SpaceTech solar arrays
Tonight, Tuesday September 14, 2021 we are going to witness the 10th launch of 34 OneWeb Satellites for their constellation of small satellites, allowing for world wide internet.
Soyuz flight ST35 is scheduled for 8:07 pm our time from the Cosmodrome in Baikonur.
All OneWeb Satellites are equipped with the approved SpaceTech solar array deployment mechanisms and for first time, we are proud to see our own solar arrays traveling to space.
Watch the launch life on OneWeb's YouTube channel
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Start of OneWeb solar array serial production
Start of OneWeb solar array serial production - First flight sets delivered
At “world record” development speed of 6 months from start to final product, SpaceTech was able to deliver the first solar arrays to Airbus OneWeb Satellites, meeting the scheduled delivery dates. These solar arrays are going to start their ultimate job in orbit with one of the next OneWeb satellite launches.
Together with the solar array deployment mechanism (SADM), this second serial production for Airbus OneWeb Satellites is another important milestone for SpaceTech.
We are very happy with the success of this great joint effort and cooperation with our customer and are proud of our team at STI.
Airbus OneWeb Satellites, we are looking forward to see you fly and spread OUR wings!
Airbus OneWeb satellite artist image (source: Airbus OneWeb Satellites)
SpaceTech awarded as top innovator 2021
SpaceTech awarded as top innovator 2021
We are proud to being elected as one of the 100 most innovative SMEs in Germany by Top100.
SpaceTech Receives Order from York Space Systems for Multiple Satellites
SpaceTech Receives Order from York Space Systems for Multiple Satellites
We are proud to be selected by York Space Systems to supply more solar arrays for multiple satellites. Unlike previous orders, we now also manufacture the carbon fiber panels at CarboSpaceTech ourselves.
SpaceTech solar array design
Central to SpaceTech’s experience and expertise regarding solar arrays, is the capability to adapt our design specifically to the customer needs, while maintaining a streamlined, automated series production, providing a significant cost benefit for the customer.
SpaceTech-CarboSpaceTech serial production
The new York Space Systems solar array order as well as other big projects for solar array deployment mechanism manufacturing, require repeatable, scalable and smoothly running processes that allow for automate serial production of parts for the space industry. Our teams, processes and machines in place at both sites – SpaceTech and CarboSpaceTech – empower us to run serial production in time and with high-quality results, specifically for solar arrays and deployment mechanisms. Furthermore, we are currently expanding our facilities due to the increased demand for our products used in commercial and institutional space missions.
SpaceTech solar array for York Space Systems satellites