SWISSto12 has signed a contract with German space subsystem providers HPS and LSS for the NEASTAR-1 mission. The Munich-based consortium will deliver a large deployable reflector subsystem (LDRS) for the satellite, which is built on the HummingSat platform. The mission is intended to support direct-to-device media broadcasting from geostationary orbit.
An LDRS is a large-aperture, deployable parabolic antenna system with precision structural and RF performance. It is optimized for high-link-budget missions like GEO direct-to-device communications. It can deliver high gain and narrow beams while still fitting into a small space during launch.
The reflector subsystem builds on more than 15 years of development under programmes led by the European Space Agency (ESA), including the Advanced Research in Telecommunications (ARTES) programme, Earth Observation Technology Development activities, and the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. The NEASTAR-1-LDRS contract is co-funded by ESA, with core funding from the German Space Agency within the German Aerospace Center (DLR), along with contributions from other ESA member states.
SWISSto12 has expanded its industrial presence in Germany since the start of the HummingSat programme. This contract further adds to its partnerships in the country. The company stated that its small geostationary satellite platform and multi-orbit payload technologies align with the German Federal Government’s space strategy, especially in areas that need secure communications.
The HPS/LSS consortium joins a group of German partners already involved in the programme, including ASP, AST, DLR, Tesat, Thales Germany, Jena Optronik, and Rockwell Collins Germany.
Industry perspectives
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.”