HPS Space News

CIMR-LDRS: The lighthouse project for non-dependence in European space travel enters the production phase of the qualification model (EQM) as planned

Long before an unspeakable bloodbath sealed the end of peaceful life in Eastern Europe in 2022, the demand for technological “non-dependence” had already conquered a top position among the strategic priorities in German and European space travel. The focus was particularly on large reflector antennas that could be deployed in space, suitable for missions of all kinds.

The history of this German technology for Europe began more than a decade ago with SCALABE, a technology development funded by ESA, and SMERALDA (SME’s Radar and Large Deployable Antenna), a study funded by the German Space Agency with significant participation by antenna specialist HPS GmbH. Through further technical chapters of successful concretization of the goal with significant support from ESA and the EU, the Munich-based company finally led a consortium of mostly medium-sized partners from eight countries to the spectacular win of the 115 million euro contract from Prime`sThalesAlenia Space (TAS) for “CIMR LDRS” (Large Deployable Reflector Subsystem) in 2020: the world’s largest rotating deployable reflector antenna construction for the EU’s Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CIMR) lighthouse project for observing land, ice and oceans, particularly the Arctic, from space under the management of the European Space Agency (ESA). The LDR subsystem consists of a reflector, arm, deconvolution electronics, cabling, various hold-down mechanisms and thermal hardware.

After a long design phase and intensive iteration with the direct customer TAS in Rome and the end customer ESA, the go-ahead was given in phase C/D with the completion of the first so-called “Manufacturing Readiness Review” for the construction and testing of a qualification model (Engineering Qualification Model, EQM). In these days of spring 2025, HPS has now finally entered the intensive phase of manufacturing the EQM.

Challenges on the way to new shores
The technical challenges were and are immense, as the goal is nothing less than a deployable reflector construct for high frequencies (Ka-band) with a diameter of eight meters on an equally deployable eight-meter-long arm that rotates around its own axis eight times per minute in orbit. This results in extreme requirements such as an RMS (Root Mean Square) value for the surface accuracy, which must be much smaller than 1/10 mm over the entire 50 m² reflector surface, or a maximum permissible deviation of the 8 m distant arm tip of just 10 mm from the nominal value, including vibrations, centrifugal force and thermal deformations.

The challenges of managing the various aspects of the project were and are no less demanding. The program management of the CIMR team from ESA and TAS has played a prominent role from the outset, while HPS GmbH, known for its heritage in institutional, military and commercial antenna construction – in addition to its own development work at arm and subsystem level – is responsible for managing the consortium of around a dozen SMEs, including such outstanding innovation drivers as Munich-based LSS GmbH for the deployable reflector assembly (DRA), based on a highly successful, long-standing development partnership. The lightweight carbon struts for the DRA come from the former Portuguese HPS subsidiary and now FHP, INVENT GmbH contributes the carbon fiber-reinforced tubes for the 8-meter deployable support arm (DAA), NanoSpace Switzerland develops and produces the high-precision yet stable, motor-driven joints of the arm, HPS Romania and INEGI Portugal the constructions for ground tests and transports (“MGSE”). In addition, HPS is responsible for providing the central element for the deployable reflector: the measurably best Ka-band MESH from HPtex that is available to buy in a 9m x 9m size – and, as a “made in Germany” product, transforms European non-dependence from vision to reality. Until then, a MESH in such dimensions had only been available in American production. Originally planned as an essential element of the German-European supply chain for CIMR, the joint venture HPTex GmbH (JV of Iprotex GmbH & Co. KG and HPS GmbH), founded in 2020, now sells its mesh products worldwide, especially in Asian and continental American countries. The EQM mesh for CIMR recently came out of HPtex production.

The most important components (DAA and DRA) will be ready by the end of the year, and the series of tests will begin early in 2026.

“If you want to be ahead, you shouldn’t be afraid of the unknown” (Ernst K. Pfeiffer)
When CIMR sets off on its mission in 2029 on board a Vega C in a sun-synchronous orbit to observe ice sheets and snow, among other things, from dawn to dusk, Europe will not only benefit from the knowledge gained from the project, but also from the certainty of having mastered the step towards technological LDRS independence. LDRS are also products for a range of military applications that can contribute to an increased defense capability, especially in these years. HPS CEO Ernst K. Pfeiffer sees this as a milestone that goes far beyond the immediate success of the project: “This space project is clear proof that the mentality of all those involved in the project – both industry and institutions – is completely different to the risk aversion that the public normally attributes to Germany in particular, and to some extent also to ESA. Not being afraid of the unknown is the first key to success. Way up front is where it´s getting dark. Especially in space. But not only there.”

Pushing the limits of what’s possible in CubeSat technology – for science, for Earth, for the future

We are thrilled to announce that HPS GmbH has been awarded a new Technology Activity by the European Space Agency (ESA)! The contract signature has been taken place on 08.04.2025.

In this groundbreaking GSTP-project, we will develop a cutting-edge CubeSat deployable ArrayAntenna in collaboration with our esteemed partners at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (IIS, Germany). This innovative technology, known as MANT (Miniaturized Deployable Antenna for Small and Nanosatellites), will reach TRL6 by the end of the project, marking a significant advancement for the capabilities of small and nanosatellites focussed to civil Earth Observation applications, which always would enable also “Dual Use”. The project is fully funded with a budget of 750,000 euros and will run for two years.
We are excited to contribute to the next generation of satellite technology, advancing small satellite communication with more efficient, compact, and powerful solutions. Stay tuned for updates such as for detailed geometries (in stowed configuration: less than 1U), frequencies and interfaces, as we never stop working towards transforming space technology!

Next Milestone: Requirements Review by end of May.

A full success: the “Space Day” at HPS

On March 28, 2025, HPS in Munich opened its doors to space enthusiasts and those who might want to become one – and it was a great success! We welcomed numerous guests who took part in our guided tours, presentations, Q&A sessions and workshops with great interest. We were particularly pleased about the visit of Ministerial Director Dr. Markus Wittmann and MRin Anne Köster from the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, who came to get a personal impression of our work in Bavaria (Munich and Münchberg in Upper Franconia).

The entire day was characterized by innovation, thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for space travel. Our guests were given exclusive insights into our products, expertise, processes, test laboratories and clean rooms. Our experts gave exciting introductions to the world of e.g. satellite communication, earth observation and manned space flight and their space technologies. Our CEO, Dr.-Ing. Ernst K. Pfeiffer, gave a presentation on “Why space travel?” in the early afternoon and in the evening, also providing insights into the latest news in global space travel.
The crowds were large and the curiosity of our visitors was overwhelming – every guided tour and every lecture was followed with great interest.

The consistently positive feedback was particularly pleasing: many participants praised the opportunity to experience space travel up close and learn more about HPS technologies. This great response reinforces our goal of sharing not only our fascination for space but also its necessity for Germany and Europe.

With this success, we are very optimistic about the future and hope that after a few years there will be another nationwide “Space Day” to spread the enthusiasm for space travel together with you!

Many thanks to everyone who took part and made this day possible! See you soon!

HPS with ADEO product family: top position in NASA’s technology report extended

A year ago, the deorbit module from HPS took its place at the top of the podium of the most important technology achievements according to NASA. This was because ADEO already had everything that the American space agency considered crucial for success at the time: top values up to TRL9, scalability and proven flight heritage. Exactly one year later: ADEO, now supplemented in the technology report by the presentation of the bestsellers ADEO-Cube and ADEO-Pico, maintains its position both against numerous Dragsail competitors and against other passive deorbit technologies.

HPS CEO Ernst K. Pfeiffer comments: “With ADEO, we are surfing at the top of the wave worldwide that we have created ourselves with this technology over many years of R&D – often with significant co-financing by ESA and DLR plus considerable company resources. And we are actually delighted with every attempt by other companies to establish deorbit sails on the market: The bigger they make the wave, the higher our product family sails on its crest.”

Two HPS contributions on board the Transporter 12 mission on January 14, 2025

Even HPS has never done this before: two of the company’s products are on their way to a sun-synchronous orbit on a Falcon 9 mission. This has been made possible by the rideshare- version of the SpaceX rocket named “Transporter 12”.

On the one hand, the contributions from HPS relate to the highly innovative BANT-1 reflector antenna for Reflex Aerospace’s premiere satellite – see also the HPS news item “HPS congratulates Reflex Aerospace” from today, January 14.

On the other hand, a contribution from HPS itself is the premiere. For the first time, HPS Germany and HPS Romania have jointly prepared a flight hardware with the MLI insulation of the central radiator in such a way that the thermo-optical properties of the satellite are maintained even under the most adverse conditions in space.

The satellite is Sky Bee-1 and part of a thermal infrared constellation HiVE that provides highly accurate yet cost-effective daily temperature data of the world’s land surfaces with a resolution of 30 meters for the benefit of agriculture, urban and industrial environments. The HPS teams of both European countries warmly congratulate their client OHB on the launch success. The first flight model SkyBee-1 is being developed under the InCubed Programme, co-funded by the European Space Agency.

Space premiere also for the innovative BANT-1 reflector antenna from HPS

On January 14, 2025, “SIGI”, the first satellite from the NextSpace company Reflex Aerospace, Berlin/Munich, was launched on board a Falcon 9 – Rideshare Mission Transporter-12. “NextSpace” is the term legally reserved for exclusive use by Reflex to describe the new speed in the development, production and provision of space technology, coupled with innovative versatility as a leitmotif for the performance of the product.

To a large extent, this also applied to an essential element of the satellite not manufactured by Reflex: the core broadband reflector antenna developed by HPS from the medium-sized space technology company HPS GmbH (Munich, Germany) with a cavity-backed spiral antenna as an axial feed for a wide bandwidth and considerable gain – and all that from order to delivery in just 12 months.

HPS congratulates Reflex Aerospace on the first launch of one of its products and looks forward to working with them on further NextSpace challenges in space.

Pictures by SpaceX

Antenna specialist HPS conquers new territory in RF applications with verification of innovative 3D production

Even formerly very sceptical augurs of space travel now agree that the ability to largely automate the series production of lightweight components while minimizing raw materials and ensuring maximum reliability will have a significant impact on the future development of applicable technologies.

However, the central prerequisite for the implementation of such visions is still a very classic step-by-step verification, in this case of two materials selected by the HPS engineers using the new ESA standard ECSS-Q-ST-70-80C.

Given the future potential of such technology, the European and German space agencies have a primary interest in the success of the research at HPS and provided GSTP funding for the 3DPAN2 project: “3D-Printed Antenna 2” is a follow-up project to 3DPAN, which was completed five years ago and initially demonstrated the feasibility in principle of 3D-printed RF components.

The product objective was an extremely lightweight X-band antenna with a diameter of ~30cm for the data downlink of earth observation satellites. It was finally manufactured from the aluminum alloy SCALMALLOY at the sub-contractor APWORKS GmbH in Ottobrunn. In addition, a filigree feed support bracket made of titanium was manufactured for fold-out antennas by the long-standing HPS trusted partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS, Dresden, as a subcontractor.
Meanwhile, the respective designs and FE analyses, as well as their iterative optimization, were carried out by HPS in Munich itself.

The final tests delivered positive results that exceeded all expectations. This applied in particular to the RF performance of the X-band antenna in the Compensated Compact Range (Munich University of Applied Science MUAS). Resistance to vibration (sine + random) was also successfully demonstrated for both demonstrators at SGS GmbH, Geretsried: here too, everything went without complications, i.e. above all without damage or deformation. Even a final TVAC test (10 cycles between +120°C and – 120°C) showed no cracks or deformations on the demonstrators.

Olaf Stolz, the responsible project manager at HPS, summed up the project as follows: “The objectives of the verification processes were achieved without any restrictions: the additively manufactured demonstrators were 20% and 25% lighter than corresponding conventionally manufactured components – a well-known enormous advantage in space travel. There were no restrictions on qualification for space applications. We would like to thank our cooperation partners, especially Dr. Samira Gruber (Fraunhofer IWS) and Mr. Nicklas Schwab (APWORKS) for the extremely good and successful cooperation in the project, as well as ESA, in particular Ms. Isabel Olaya Leon, Technical Officer of the 3DPAN2 project.

HPS CEO Ernst K. Pfeiffer is delighted: “It is fantastic that we are already implementing 3D printed components with the technology results of the ESA GSTP program in current flight projects. A goal that we set 8 years ago and that is essential for the future market has now been achieved.”

Dezember 2024

HPS Christmas Party 2024: Our Biggest Yet!

Last night, we celebrated the holidays together at our annual Christmas party – and this year was extra special!

For the first time, we hosted it on our new floor, making it the biggest Christmas party in HPS history!

The evening was filled with:

• Plenty of mulled wine and delicious food
• A variety of drinks to toast the season
• 12 inspiring mini-presentations (just 2-5 minutes each) by our Department Heads, CEO, CFO, CTO, Quality Management, HR, Procurement and Social Media, sharing insights and ideas.

It was a wonderful evening of connection, celebration, and looking ahead to an exciting future. Here’s to the amazing HPS team and the bright year ahead!

Producing antennas in series

For over 20 years, the Munich-based space technology company HPS has been known for breaking new ground wherever possible and establishing an increasingly solid bridge between ClassicSpace and CommercialSpace with innovations of all kinds. This applies to products such as deployable antennas of all sizes through to processes such as the series production of the deorbit sail module product family (ADEO).

With the implementation of a further process innovation, HPS is now also realizing new efficiency horizons in the antenna sector, because a commercial customer is in a hurry: more than 20 broadband antennas are needed, in a period of less than only 12 months, starting NOW. HPS is already known from a large number of successfully completed antenna orders – whether from the institutional or commercial sector – for the routine of quality production at a consistently high level that is valued by customers. But now, with the start of small series production, the company is heralding the introduction of a further development stage in the process of merging the quality features of conventional and new space technology into something new and even better. And despite all the high pressure, with the power that comes from calm.

November 2024

HPS and EXOLAUNCH: Making Space Clean Again

HPS is happy to join forces with the Germany-based Exolaunch and is fully engaged to support customers of Exolaunch by enabling this very special and successful NewSpace-launch service provider to grant priority access to the delivery schedule of flight-proven ADEO* deorbit sails which are currently in high demand.

EXOLAUNCH’s COO Jeanne Allarie and HPS’s CEO Ernst Pfeiffer signed an Agreement on Space Tech Expo 2024 in Bremen in a great joint spirit (see pictures) the ambitious endeavour of

• being a role model for a sustainable use of space and
• of raising awareness with all potential customers on an existing solution for deorbiting: ADEO-modules are easy, affordable and reliable to contributing significantly to Making Space Clean Again.

See for the respective EXOLAUNCH announcement

(* ADEO-modules are needed to allow a satellite deorbit after its “End-of-Business” within five years; satellites without this or any kind of deorbit accelerator do not get clearance for launch anymore.)