Beyond Gravity contracted to deliver thruster pointing mechanisms for HummingSat small geostationary satellites from SWISSto12

The international space supplier Beyond Gravity will develop and build electric propulsion pointing mechanisms for five  HummingSat satellites. The small geostationary HummingSat telecommunications satellites will use Beyond Gravity’s pointing mechanisms in the form of a multi-axis robotic arm to control the satellites’ electric thrusters to keep them exactly on track 35,786 kilometers above Earth. “With this thruster pointing mechanism, we are setting a new industry standard. We have developed a product that clearly stands out from the competition thanks to its high flexibility based on modular elements, as well as its scalability, and series production based on our industrial processes,” says Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The pointing mechanisms are being developed and built at the company’s site in Vienna, Austria, with deliveries between 2026 and 2027.

New robotic arm is based on APPMAX family of pointing mechanisms

The Beyond Gravity multi-axis mechanism for HummingSat satellites is based on the company’s proven product family of APPMAX pointing mechanisms. Wolfgang Pawlinetz, Vice President Thermal & Mechanisms at Beyond Gravity: “Our thruster pointing mechanism gives satellites the ability to maneuver and hold their position exactly where they need to be, saving fuel and time, while maximizing performance.” After launch and deployment into space, satellites still face the critical challenge of reaching their final orbit. “That’s where our technology comes in. It allows orbit raising to be carried out in the most efficient way possible.” With orders for more than 100 electric thruster pointing mechanisms, Beyond Gravity is one of the world’s leading suppliers in this field. Pawlinetz: “We have a long track record of successful deliveries, extensive flight heritage and we have the industrial capacity for a high cadence production.”

Solar array drive mechanisms for SWISSto12

For its customer, SWISSto12, Beyond Gravity also provides solar array drive mechanisms from its Zurich site with sliprings from its Nyon site. The company’s solar array drive mechanisms precisely orient solar arrays towards the sun, making sure the spacecraft receives sufficient solar energy for its operations. A slip ring is an electromechanical device that enables the transmission of power and electrical signals from a stationary to a rotating structure.

About geostationary earth orbit

Geostationary earth orbit (GEO) is a circular orbit 35’786 kilometers above Earth’s equator. GEO follows the direction of Earth’s rotation. Geostationary satellites have a fixed position as they orbit our planet Earth in perfect synchronization with Earth’s own rotation.

About Beyond Gravity

Beyond Gravity, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is the first space company to combine a startup mindset, agility, speed and innovation with decades of experience and proven quality. Approximately 1800 employees at 12 locations in six countries (Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Finland and Portugal) develop and manufacture products for satellites and launch vehicles with the goal of advancing humankind and enabling the exploration of the world and beyond. Beyond Gravity is the preferred supplier of structures for all types of launch vehicles and a leading provider of selected satellite products and constellation solutions in the New Space sector. In 2024, the company generated a revenue of around CHF 359 million. More information at: www.beyondgravity.com

About SWISSto12

SWISSto12 is a leading manufacturer of advanced Radiofrequency (RF) products, satellite payloads and satellite systems, including the HummingSat: a small yet powerful geostationary telecommunications satellite developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) through its public-private-partnership program. The company’s RF products benefit from unique and patented 3D-printing technologies and associated Radio Frequency (RF) product designs that deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF functionality.  Besides its space portfolio, the company is also active in telecommunications and the aeronautic industry. 

SWISSto12 is amongst the fastest growing aerospace companies in the world, with customers including Viasat/Inmarsat, SES/Intelsat, Lockheed Martin and Thales. 

SWISSto12 is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. 

Further information

To learn more about the SWISSto12 HummingSat satellites, visit: https://swissto12.com/hummingsat

More about the pointing mechanisms for electric satellite thrusters from Beyond Gravity: 
https://www.beyondgravity.com/en/satellites/mechanical-solutions/mechanisms/electrical-propulsion-pointing-mechanisms

Images

Image 1: Beyond Gravity will supply thruster pointing mechanisms for a new fleet of small geostationary telecommunications satellites of the Swiss company Swissto12. Copyright: SWISSto12. 

Image 2: Beyond Gravity’s pointing mechanisms in the form of a robotic arm will control the SWISSto12 HummingSat satellites’ electric thrusters. Copyright: Beyond Gravity. 

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