Space-Lock GmbH in Brunn am Gebirge specialises in mechatronic components used in unfolding and retracting antennas, solar panels and covers on space satellites.
“You may have seen very large satellites with huge antennas and huge solar panels in the movies,” says Andreas Uhl, systems engineer at Space-Lock. “However, at launch they look completely different; the satellites are very compact and small.”
Based in Brunn am Gebirge, the company develops and produces high precision components used to fold and unfold antennas, solar panels, deployable booms, covers and other satellite parts. “We supply everything you need to hold down or unfold components on satellites,” says company founder and CEO Florian Guenther.
Space-Lock’s release actuators release preloading bolts in response to a short electrical pulse, to send satellites into orbit from the launch vehicles, for example. Space-Lock’s compact rotary actuators can be used for applications such as deploying and pointing satellite antennas, while the company’s rota hinges equipped with telemetry sensors serve to open and close covers.
The space industry’s shift towards New Space, i.e. small satellites, commercial and civil applications, and private initiatives, has also created new opportunities for smaller companies.
Florian Guenther describes the background to the company’s founding in 2019:
“New Space represents a huge opportunity for young companies that are agile, fast, and above all designed to produce high volumes at reasonable prices,”
“The FFG supported our first product development through the European Space Agency ESA. Since then, we have grown steadily,” says the CEO. “In the space sector it is not possible to bring a product to the stage where it is commercially marketable without this support.”
Currently, nine Space-Lock employees are involved in developing and producing the high-precision components in Brunn am Gebirge. Each part is made by hand, checked and prepared for use in space. “Our immediate plans are continued growth, further expanding the existing product portfolio and also offering larger assemblies,” says Florian Guenther. “We have established a large customer base and are managing to balance large quantities, cost-effective prices, and at the same time very high technical performance. We are focused on the New Space market, while also meeting the requirements of the conventional space industry.”