LEO-PNT: Securely Packed for Deployment in Space

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]