September 2026
HPS/LSS completed the PDR close-out for its Large Deployable Reflector Subsystem (LDRS) at the end of August. The milestone was reached four months after signature of the Phase B/C/D contract, following an initial pre-development contract. The result reflects focused execution, close collaboration and steady progress across the programme.
HPS acknowledges the contribution of its direct customer and NEASTAR-1 mission prime, SWISSto12 (CH), for the constructive collaboration and guidance. A shared focus on programme needs – including accommodation and interface definitions, timely decision-making, efficient documentation and streamlined reviews – supported the completion of this milestone.
The LDRS is a 5-metre L-band deployable subsystem for a commercial satcom mission. The LDRS includes the arm, reflector, hold-down and release mechanisms, harness and thermal hardware, with MAIT supported by tailored MGSE. The HPS/LSS consortium is backed by a heritage supply chain from Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Romania and the Czech Republic. ESA’s Directorate of Commercialisation is contributing to the GEO-orbit LDRS with financial support from Member States, mainly Germany, Switzerland, and Portugal.
The antenna is integrated into SWISSto12’s HummingSat platform, a new class of geostationary satellite which the company is currently manufacturing for several global operators. Astrum Space is the end customer and will operate the satellite above Asia to offer dedicated direct-to-device connectivity, in an industry breakthrough.
“This cooperation demonstrates the value of trust, technical focus and shared commitment. The dedication of the LDRS project teams and their team leads at HPS GmbH and LSS GmbH has been essential to reaching this stage. I am very proud of what the teams have achieved,” said HPS CEO Dr. Ernst K. Pfeiffer.
“The successful completion of the PDR shortly after contract signature,” said SWISSto12 CEO, Emile de Rijk, “demonstrates that faster schedules can be achieved when small and capable teams can work in an integrated fashion with a common goal, high ownership and dedication. We appreciate the performance of HPS/LSS as an effective partner, with a focus on delivering a performing product at speed.”
