CIMR-LDRS flagship project for European spacetech: The EQM in the making

CIMR-LDRS 8m-EQM Assembly-Story, Episode 1/12

September 2025

The goal is as ambitious as the means: technological non-dependence for Europe in space with a deployable reflector construction for high frequencies (Ka band) measuring eight meters in diameter on an equally deployable eight-meter-long arm, which rotates around its own axis eight times per minute in orbit. Extreme requirements: for example, an RMS (root mean square) value for surface accuracy that is to be considerably less than a few thenths mm over the entire 50 m2 reflector area, or a maximum permissible deviation of only 10 mm from the nominal value at the tip of the arm 8 m away, including vibrations, centrifugal force, and thermal distortions. Overall, the Large Deployable Reflector Subsystem (LDRS) consists of reflector, arm, deployment control electronics, harness, various hold-down and release mechanisms, and thermal hardware. This is the €120 million task of the LEA consortium (product name: Large European Antenna) of more than a dozen space companies, mainly SME, from eight countries led by HPS/LSS.

Now that the most difficult part, the coordination of the design and structural analysis between the large LDRS and the satellite, as well as achieving the “manufacturing readiness” of all components through countless process developments, has now been overcome, the “Engineering Qualification Models (EQM)” is now in the middle of production. We want to take you with us in a sequel story in 12 episodes.

As a reminder in relation to our LEA-team: Munich-based LSS GmbH is responsible for the Deployable Reflector Assembly (DRA). The unique Ka-band gold-plated MESH for the DRA is developed by HPtex GmbH, located in the German textile-triangle in Upper Franconia (DE). The unique Ka-band MESH for the reflector is produced by HPtex GmbH located in the textile-triangle Upper Franconia, the 9m x 9m gold-plated EQM-Mesh (see picture) has already been produced. INVENT GmbH, Brunswick (DE), is supplying the carbon fiber reinforced tubes (see picture) for the 8-meter “Deployable Arm Assembly (DAA)”, the first EQM-segment is already under inspection. NanoSPACE AG, Switzerland is developing and producing the highly accurate and stable motor-driven hinges for the arm. INEGI Portugal has already delivered the 0-g ground test support equipment for the DRA to LSS, the final tests for the 0-g DAA-GSE are in full swing before delivery (see picture). HPS S.R.L., Romania is currently finalizing under great time pressure one assembly and transport ground support equipment (MGSE) after the other (see picture). HPS GmbH, Munich, as direct contractor of the satellite Primes ThalesAleniaSpace, Rome (IT), has the LDRS subsystem responsibility, as well as that for the deployment arm DAA.

When CIMR embarks on its mission aboard a Vega C in 2029 to observe ice sheets and snow from dawn to dusk in a sun-synchronous orbit, this will be a step forward in terms of critical technologies, as LDRS are also products for a range of military applications that can contribute to increased independent defense capabilities, important especially in these days.

Sequel follows.

HPS/LSS, 16.09.2025