HPS Space News

SWISSto12 Partners With German Consortium HPS/LSS on First-Ever Unfurling Antenna Reflector to Be Built in Europe for Commercial GEO Telecommunications Satellite

Renens, Switzerland, May 5 2026

Latest contract awarded signals strong momentum in SWISSto12’s strategy to strengthen European capabilities to build end-to-end space systems

SWISSto12 announced today a major contract with German high-performance space subsystem providers HPS/LSS. The Munich-based consortium will provide a large deployable reflector subsystem (LDRS) for the NEASTAR-1 mission, built on HummingSat, enabling the world’s first direct-to-device media broadcasting capabilities from geostationary orbit.

The German-led antenna reflector subsystem is the result of more than 15 years of development under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications (ARTES) programme, ESA’s Earth Observation Technology Development activities, and the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. The contract for the NEASTAR-1-LDRS is co-funded by ESA, with core funding from the German Space Agency within the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), and further contributions from additional ESA Member States.

Since the inception of the HummingSat programme, SWISSto12 has developed a large industrial footprint in Germany; this latest contract further strengthens the German partnership and contribution to HummingSat. In the context of future cooperation, the company is positioning its small geostationary satellite and advanced multi-orbit payload technologies as a strong technical and strategic fit with the German Federal Government’s Space Strategy, in particular, with its priorities around secure communications.

The HPS/LSS consortium joins a growing network of German supply chain partners, which includes ASP, AST, DLR, Tesat, Thales Germany, Jena Optronik, and Rockwell Collins Germany. The ecosystem reflects an increasingly confident space posture, whereby European satellite companies are selected to build advanced systems for European customers – both commercial and government.

Emile de Rijk, CEO and Founder, SWISSto12: “Collaboration with HPS/LSS was fast and effective from the first day. We value their culture of precision engineering, deep-tech innovation, and commitment to excellence along with a drive for fast and efficient execution. They have demonstrated a strong technical heritage and proven track record in building LDRS, notably for ESA missions, underscoring the progress of ESA and DLR’s vision to develop resilient, sovereign space capabilities.”

Ernst K. Pfeiffer, CEO, HPS GmbH: “In addition to the successful signing of another major HPS/LSS contract, we are proud to contribute to European technological sovereignty through this Swiss‑German collaboration; we are delivering tangible business results just four months after German ESA‑CM25 decisions were made.”

Leri Datashvili, Co‑CEO & Founder, LSS GmbH: “LSS, together with HPS, is proud to pioneer LDRS technology in Europe for applications in communications, reconnaissance, and observation. Thanks to the trust of commercial customers, the German Space Agency, and ESA, we are now delivering this strategic European product to global programmes.”

Laurent Jaffart, Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity at ESA, said: “ESA’s long-term investment in innovation and partnerships enable cutting-edge technologies to be brought to market, crucially boosting Europe’s global competitiveness, while strengthening autonomy and resilience. By leveraging Europe’s industrial excellence within two of our key Member States, this contract is a prime example of how strong collaboration will be translated into advancing the next-generation of connectivity – particularly within the direct-to-device domain.”

About SWISSto12
SWISSto12 is a leading enabler of the new space economy, leveraging patented manufacturing and design technologies, such as 3D-printing, to manufacture disruptive payloads. These can be hosted on any platform, for any mission, in any orbit—either on a third-party satellite or on its proprietary compact, geostationary satellite, the HummingSat. The company, founded in 2011, is currently delivering seven HummingSat GEO platforms to global operators, reached CHF110 million in revenue in 2025, and has delivered 110% CAGR since 2022. The HummingSat is an ESA Partnership Project. For more information, please visit: https://www.swissto12.ch.

About HPS/LSS Partnership Consortium
High Performance Space Structure Systems GmbH (HPS), founded in 2000, and Large Space Structures GmbH (LSS), founded in 2012, are successful, independent, and continuously growing SMEs. The Large Deployable Reflector Subsystem (LDRS) for NeaStar-1 will be a 5 m diameter antenna reflector (working in L-band) including deployment arm and several reflector/arm-associated subassemblies. HPS/LSS are currently also developing, amongst others, an 8 m LDRS for ESA/EU’s Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer Mission for frequency bands up to Ka-band. For more information, please visit: https://www.hps-gmbh.com/ and https://www.largespace.de/

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.
ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and the Republic of Cyprus are Associate Members.

ESA has established formal cooperation with four Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.

Learn more at www.esa.int and www.swissto12.com

Development of the Compact Foldable Backpack Antenna by HPS Enters Final Phase with DLR Space Innovation Hub

März 2026

2016. The world of satellite communications is small, manageable, and mainly revolves around geostationary positions 36,000 kilometres above the Earth and enormous, permanently installed ground receiving stations. Only a handful of satellites for satellite telephony and navigation orbit in lower altitudes, tracing solitary paths above us.

During this period of apparent stagnation, HPS, the specialist in satellite communication antenna technology based in Munich, began developing a product far ahead of its time: KEAN, the compact, foldable backpack antenna for communication from anywhere in the world via satellite. The users: highly mobile units of both civil and governmental origin, as well as private sector stakeholders such as expedition leaders or correspondents for internationally operating media.

Over several phases, and with support from the ESA ARTES programme and the national DLR space programme, HPS, together with partners MTEX and BLACKWAVE, the Technical University of Munich and the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, developed a laboratory prototype with the following requirements:

• Compliance with satellite operators (e.g. EUTELSAT, INTELSAT)
• Ku-band, 1.2 m diameter, also X-band capable, high data rates
• Total weight of communication system, electronics, battery, tripod, backpack carrying system under 25 kg
• Commissioning within 15 minutes, from backpack transport to satellite link
• Innovative, cybernetic folding mechanism inspired by the opening and closing of flowers
• Design and specification of components and production processes suitable for series production, enabling rapid transition to large-scale manufacturing
  Modular design, various sizes available on request

Ultimately, the laboratory prototype in its KEAN II (Second Generation) version proved itself in rigorous link tests at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, in connection tests with the German SatCom satellite Heinrich Hertz, as well as in handling tests in the field. As a result, the project’s goal is now within reach: the development of a prototype as a complete system for mobile, bidirectional satellite communication.

2026: In a final development step from KEAN II to KEAN III, further optimisation steps will now follow, which will ultimately establish the product’s suitability for series production. These range from design optimisation and further weight reduction to increased manufacturing precision for both individual pieces and series production, particularly in lightweight composite slats, as well as the complete combination and integration of modern and robust electronic components (modem, converter, amplifier), culminating in standardised acceptance tests for function and performance. These final improvements prior to product launch were commissioned on 21 April 2026 by the Space Innovation Hub funding programme of the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) and are to be completed within roughly 15 months with the delivery of a complete system for a final practical test by police special forces.

HPS CEO Ernst K. Pfeiffer: “We are especially proud that, with our innovation KEAN, one of the first contracts in what is expected to be a long list of upcoming development and delivery tasks was established through the new Space Innovation Hub funding programme of DLR with our company HPS. After many years of forward-thinking planning and patient, continuous improvements, we will be in a position in 2027 to serve the market for governmental and civil satellite communications with a perfect product just as the first major wave of demand begins. We thank the BMFTR in Berlin, the DLR Space Agency in Bonn, and the University of the Bundeswehr Munich for their support on our path to success.”

Innovative Satellite Technology from OHB with Thermal Protection made by HPS

March 2026

Three inconspicuous letters stand for technological capabilities without which modern life would come to a standstill: PNT – Positioning, Navigation, Timing. These are abilities that must be constantly developed and optimised. Under the project name “LEO-PNT”, the OHB Group (Germany) together with GMV (Spain) are acting jointly for a demonstration mission in low Earth orbit (LEO) with four new satellites. The aim of this in-orbit demonstration is to test various technical parameters and incorporate the insights gained into a comprehensive LEO-PNT constellation. The innovative LEO-PNT payloads act as amplifiers between the high-flying Galileo satellites and users on Earth. In doing so, they not only optimise existing signals but also expand the range of navigation signals with new frequency bands, signal structures and content. Germany and Spain have been the most important signatories on the ESA Ministerial Conference in November 2025, followed by Italy.

In order to operate reliably under the extreme conditions of space, the four satellites — each about the size of a washing machine-dryer combination — are protected against cold and heat by a multi-layer insulation (MLI). The German specialist HPS GmbH has been commissioned with the design, manufacturing and integration of this insulation. In addition to thermal protection, further safety measures are employed: an ITO coating protects against atomic oxygen (ATOX), while a single layer insulation (SLI) serves as ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection for the solar panels.

HPS is regarded across Europe as a key supplier of thermal hardware in the field of navigation and communication for small satellites, as well as for scientific instruments. The company not only equips now the LEO-PNT satellites, HPS, in collaboration with OHB, was already responsible for the delivery of the MLI on Flight Model 3 of last year’s HIVE project. This close partnership is a clear evidence of the trust placed by the leading German space company OHB in the expertise of HPS, and underscores the strategic importance of strong, SME-based supply chains within the European space industry.

Note: HPS also delivered four of its “ADEO-N” deorbit dragsail modules for the first four LEO-PNT satellites at the end of last year. “To avoid space debris, the design of the LEO-PNT satellites was created to exceed current standards: With the help of their propulsion system and a sail, the satellites will actively leave their orbit shortly after the end of their mission, descend, and eventually burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere.” [Quote BDLI]

Federal Minister Visits Joint Venture HPtex

February 2026

Münchberg, Upper Franconia – The Bavarian-based joint venture HPtex GmbH, founded by HPS High Performance Space Structure Systems GmbH and IPROTEX GmbH & Co. KG, recently welcomed high-ranking political guests to its production site in Münchberg.

We felt honored to welcome the German Minister for Science Technology and Space, Mrs. Dorothee Bär, who came to learn more about the innovative space mesh technologies developed and produced at HPtex. She was accompanied by several regional political representatives, including Member of Parliament MdB Mr. Heiko Hain, District Administrator for Hof, Mr. Oliver Bär, Münchberg mayoral candidate Mr. Thomas Schnurrer, as well as additional local council candidates of CSU. The visit was also attended by numerous citizens from Münchberg.

A special highlight of the gathering was the participation of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Ficker, who played a key role in initiating the early research collaboration on metallic space meshes approximately ten years ago at the Fraunhofer Institute in Münchberg. The event also brought together leading representatives from the joint venture partners, including Timo Piwonski, Managing Director of IPROTEX, and Peter Rauhut, CEO of HPtex and CFO of HPS.

Space Mesh Technology with ESA Heritage:

The ultra-fine metallic meshes developed at HPtex represent a technological success story emerging from several technology programs of the European Space Agency, including TRP, GSTP, ARTES, and Earth Observation (EO) initiatives.

These high-precision meshes combine electrical conductivity with mechanical flexibility and are already being used in advanced space systems such as small deployable antennas and Large Deployable Reflector Subsystems (LDRS). One prominent example is the mesh-application onboard the Copernicus CIMR Mission, which will provide crucial observations for the study of Earth’s polar regions.

Event Program:

The visit program included a welcoming reception at the facility entrance, followed by a standing panel discussion in the preparation hall. Guests had the opportunity to explore various exhibition pieces presented by HPtex, IPROTEX, the Fraunhofer Institute, and fashion designer Laura Theiss.
A dedicated tour of the new mesh production hall provided insight into the highly specialized manufacturing processes used to produce these advanced materials. The program concluded with a group photo and numerous opportunities for discussion, including exchanges between Minister Doro Bär and HPS CEO Dr.-Ing. Ernst K. Pfeiffer.

A Decade of Development in Münchberg:

The roots of HPS’s activities in Münchberg go back around ten years, when the company began collaborating with the Fraunhofer Institute and Professor Ficker on metallic mesh technologies. Building on this cooperation, HPtex GmbH was founded in February 2020 as a joint venture between HPS and IPROTEX.

Today, HPtex has established itself as a globally recognized specialist in high-precision space meshes, supplying the so-called “Universal Space Mesh USM) to customers in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Further product developments beyond mesh technologies are already being explored for the future.

The local newspaper Frankenpost also reported on the visit under the headline “Münchberg bringt Textil ins Weltall” (“Münchberg brings textiles into space”).

HPS and HPtex would like to thank all colleagues and partners involved for the excellent preparation and successful realization of this event.

Two Antenna Reflector Assemblies for LUNAR-GATEWAY

January 2026

Following the completion of manufacturing for all components, HPS GmbH, Germany, successfully concluded the assembly and alignment activities of both models of the Antenna Reflector Assembly (ARA), developed as part of the Ka-Band Steerable Antenna (SKBA) for the LUNAR LINK SYSTEM. Lunar Link is European Space Agency’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure for NASA’s Lunar Gateway, designed to provide critical radio-frequency (RF) communication between the orbiting station and assets operating on and around the Moon, such as rovers, landers, and satellites. The system supports high-data-rate services, including live video transmission. Installed on the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), Lunar Link incorporates dedicated computers, radios, and antennas, serving as a key communications hub for the Artemis program’s lunar operations.

The main reflector, with a diameter of 1.25 m, was manufactured by machining a single aluminum-alloy block with an initial mass of approximately 1.3 tons, resulting in a final component weighing less than 10 kg. Multiple thermal stabilization steps were introduced during the machining process to relieve internal stresses, ensuring dimensional accuracy, geometric stability, and compliance with tight tolerances both during and after machining.

The alignment activities at HPS’s large new integration hall in Oberhaching (south of Munich, 20 min. by car from HPS Offices) were carried out using HPS’s high-accuracy, contactless laser-radar measurement system, employed to determine the relative position and orientation of the two reflectors (main and sub-reflector). The position of the sub-reflector was precisely adjusted using custom-designed support equipment. The achieved results are well within the stringent requirements defined by our customer chain Sener (Spain), ThalesAleniaSpace (France) and ESA/ESTEC (Netherlands), namely antenna component translations within a sphere of 0.06 mm radius and rotations within a 0.02-degree half-cone angle.

Both reflector assemblies are now safely packed in their respective transport containers and are ready for shipment to our direct customer in Spain.

The budget for the project was initiated already on ESA Ministerial Conference 2019, where Germany has committed for a certain SME-share to the construction of the Lunar Gateway. HPS received the contract for the Antenna Reflector Assembly in 2021. HPS CEO: “To be part of this outstanding international GATEWAY-Program makes us very proud. GATEWAY is another positive example for global collaboration supporting peace on Earth. We hope that we as SME can contribute with further equipment in the frame of robotics on and population of the moon.”