Space Structures is an engineering company specializing in the development, manufacture, and verification of mechanical subsystems for space applications.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Space Structures GmbH offers solutions for mechanical components and assemblies in the following areas: spacecraft, instrument and rideshare, strut and boom structures, electronic housings, as well as consulting in the development of mechanical subsystems of all kinds. The consulting services have a modular structure and can be combined from the following areas: System engineering, design, structural and thermal analyses, and support during testing. As a rule, our developments are carried out with simultaneous consideration of many different boundary conditions such as mass and stiffness optimization, dimensional stability, thermal fields, etc.
The technologies used include the production of struts, honeycomb core plates, and hybrid assemblies, but also the distribution of software for process support concerning the design of bolted connections and the evaluation of test data from vibration tests.
In addition to tools for improving customer-specific processes, we developed SpaceBolt – the first commercial software for calculating bolted joints. Started as the internal development at Space Structures GmbH, SpaceBolt became the commercial product that significantly increases the productivity of mechanical engineers. SpaceBolt is the only software verified by the European Space Agency.
SpaceVibe is an industry tool to assess the sine and random vibration analysis prediction versus test data live during testing. SpaceVibe allows you to visualize, interpolate, scale, and notch sine and random vibration responses (transfer functions, harmonics, and random vibrations), compare vibration responses (both predicted or measured) against the allowable levels (QSL, sine, PSD, and RRS), overlay plots (test-vs-prediction, pre/post-resonance search), quick notch definition for sine and random vibration.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
In terms of hardware product development, we are introducing a launch adapter structure family for performing constellation and rideshare on small to medium-sized launch vehicles.
On the software side, we are developing cutting-edge tool for bolt verification and analysis according to NASA standards to complement SpaceBolt which was developed according to space industry standards ECSS-HB-32-23 and VDI 2230.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
Our team specializes in solutions made of metal and fiber-reinforced polymer materials that have to meet high requirements in terms of structural dynamics and thermal design. Customized mechanical components and assemblies are created using modern development tools and manufacturing technologies.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
Currently, the global space economy is experiencing exponential growth, generating increased possibilities for both large and small to medium enterprises. Our dynamic team is engaged in various markets, spanning Europe, the UK, the Americas, Oceania, South-East Asia, and the Middle East. The prevailing trend indicates a positive trajectory.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
The space industry is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by remarkable technological advances, increased private sector investments, and a growing demand for space-related products and services. Innovation has made it more cost-effective to develop new space systems and launch payloads into space, which in turn has enabled a wider range of organizations to participate in the space sector. With satellites, communication systems, and other space technologies becoming integral to daily life, market research forecasts rapid and sustained growth in the coming years, underscoring the economic viability and long-term potential of the space industry. This transformative phase not only makes space exploration more accessible but also lays the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
In addition to classic hardware, we develop and sell SpaceStrut – integral and ultra-light CFRP struts without metallic fittings and any core material, which is extremely dimensionally stable in the DoubleZero variant.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2024?
In terms of hardware development, we are introducing a launch adapter structure family for performing constellation and rideshare on small to medium-sized launch vehicles.
On the software side, we are developing cutting-edge tool for bolt verification and analysis according to NASA standards to complement SpaceBolt which was developed according to space industry standards ECSS-HB-32-23 and VDI 2230.
Space Structures GmbH was selected as a prime contractor to develop, build, and test the internal secondary structures for I-HAB (Module of the international Lunar Gateway manned space station to orbit the Moon) and we look forward to reaching new milestones in this project development in 2024.
