03.06.2026
Beyond Gravity unveils ultra-light propulsion pointing mechanism with high maneuverability for LEO constellations
The space company Beyond Gravity has developed a new two-axis mechanism for pointing electric propulsion thrusters on small satellites in low Earth orbit. The APPMAX2-XS sets new benchmarks for mass efficiency, cost, lead time, and flexibility.
Beyond Gravity, a leading space supplier, today revealed a new product innovation. APPMAX2-XS is a next-generation electric propulsion pointing mechanism designed specifically for small satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The new two-axis mechanism addresses key industry demands for reduced mass, rapid delivery, and flexible integration. “Our new mechanism delivers an exceptionally compact and mass-efficient solution while maintaining full flexibility across a wide range of electric propulsion systems. It is both low-cost and short-lead time. This makes it ideal for the age of flexible small LEO spacecraft”, says Wolfgang Pawlinetz, Vice President Thermal & Mechanisms at Beyond Gravity. The mechanism is part of Beyond Gravity’s proven APPMAX (Advanced Electric Propulsion Pointing Mechanism) family. APPMAX2-XS leverages commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and industrialized production processes to enable scalability and cost efficiency. The product was unveiled at Space Tech Expo USA in Anaheim, California, on June 3.
Less than seven kilograms weight, delivery within six months
“Our new mechanism is true a New Space enabler. The mechanism weighs less than seven kilograms, and the time from order to delivery will be less than six months. We see a lot of potential for our new mechanism especially in Europe and the United States”, says Dominik Inschlag, the responsible Director Marketing & Sales. The scope of the mechanism includes thrust vectoring of small spacecraft and optical payload pointing. Delivery of the new mechanism is available as of 2027. “Fast availability, low mass, and competitive cost are critical factors for constellation operators. This mechanism directly addresses those priorities”, adds Dominik Inschlag.
Less wasted propellant, longer mission lifetime
Traditional LEO satellites often rely on fixed-mounted thrusters, which can introduce inefficiencies during attitude control maneuvers. In contrast, propulsion pointing mechanisms like APPMAX2-XS allow for optimized thrust alignment—significantly reducing wasted propellant. “Currently, a lot of satellites are burning propellant, but not because of the spacecraft’s thrusters. It is because of the pointing of the thruster”, explains Inschlag. In addition, electrical propulsion pointing mechanisms can increase satellite lifetime by up to two years, and they are the most cost-effective solution for high thruster masses.
Images
Image 1: APPMAX2-XS is a next-generation electric propulsion pointing mechanism designed specifically for small satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). © Beyond Gravity.
Image 2: “Our new mechanism delivers an exceptionally compact and mass-efficient solution while maintaining full flexibility across a wide range of electric propulsion systems. It is both low-cost and short-lead time. This makes it ideal for the age of flexible small LEO spacecraft”, says Wolfgang Pawlinetz, Vice President Thermal & Mechanisms at Beyond Gravity. © Beyond Gravity, Anna Rauchenberger.
