Programmes

SAB INITIATIVES

SAB is building on its experience and consolidating its skills in space manufacturing, in-situ resource utilisation (IRSU), in-orbit servicing (IOS), active debris removal (ADR), and human landing systems (HLS). This expertise has solidified SAB’s reputation as a trusted provider on several high-profile European space programmes.

Sentinel 1 NG SAR remains the backbone of European Earth observation capabilities. Europe relies on these satellites to provide consistent and weather-independent surface mapping. SAB is proud to be involved in the production and launch of the next generation of Sentinel satellites.

SAB PROJECTS

VEGA and VEGA C SSMS Dispensers

SAB Aerospace designs and manufactures launcher structures for multiple small satellites on board Vega launchers. The SSMS maiden flight took place in 2020 and launched 53 satellites into orbit at a significantly reduced cost. SAB is providing SSMS dispensers for the next-generation Vega-C launcher.

PLATO

Part of the ESA’s Cosmic Vision Programme, PLATO is a medium-class scientific mission that will search for exoplanets. SAB was responsible for the design, development, procurement, integration and testing of the Service Module Mechanical Sub-systems.

ARIANE 6

SAB Aerospace is handling the development of sequencers for multiple launch services on board the Ariane 6. The launcher has been in development since 2010 and will be able to carry over 20 tonnes of satellites into low-earth orbit.

SLAVIA

SAB is the primary contractor providing system integration for this space resources prospection mission which will also provide data for meteor research, planetary defence and commercialization of space resources.

LCS4

LCS4 is our low-cost separation system for small satellites complementing the SSMS in enabling the development of the European small satellite ecosystem.

METIS Solar Orbiter Instrument

SAB is designing, manufacturing, and integrating the mechanical sub-systems of the three-mirror assembly of the METIS Solar Orbiter Instrument.

PROBA V SSIS

Within the framework of the European Space Agency’s Proba program, SAB Aerospace was tasked with producing the Proba-Vegetation mission centres on Earth observation with the aim of monitoring worldwide vegetation and land cover. Utilizing multispectral imaging, it captures data across the red, near-infrared, and mid-infrared spectrums, offering a moderate spatial resolution ideal for applications such as agricultural monitoring and deforestation analysis.

Microgravity – Biomission 2019

Microgravity – Biomission 2019 concerned the development of space laboratories for experiments on the ISS and IOSLAB pressurised facility for the Space Rider. SAB supported scientific teams performing biological research in microgravity aboard the International Space Station and performed the complex engineering required to pack the research equipment needed for these experiments into specialised containers for delivery to the ISS.

IOSLAB

SAB is handling the development of the flexible laboratory facility for microgravity experiments on board of Space Rider vehicle. Several biological and nanotechnology experiments will be launched into orbit on board the maiden flight. In-orbit demonstration for the multispectral camera will also take place. After the qualification of the hardware in 2024, IOSLAB will provide a full-service microgravity research facility for clients from science and industry.

FLASR

SAB is planning to develop a universal space lab that can accommodate various experiments. Based on its experience with microgravity experiments, SAB will be the sub-aggregator on the creation of the FLASR Flexible Laboratory for the Space Rider system.

The FLASR laboratory concept is based on standard dimension CubeSat hardware, allowing maximum flexibility. These 10x10x10 cubes can then be placed in pressurized tubes or mounted on the tube externally for unpressurized applications.

LARES SSUP

SAB Aerospace designed and manufactured LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite SUPport System Development and Qualification). This is a low-cost geodynamic satellite mission managed by ASI for gravitational physics, fundamental physics and Earth sciences research.

ROSE-L

SAB Aerospace is a partner in the ROSE-L climate change research mission scheduled for launch in 2028. The mission will provide data crucial for monitoring the effects of climate change. SAB is responsible for the design, procurement and MAIT of the satellite structure and Thermal Control System (TCS).

GALILEO FOC, ExoMars 2018 and EDRS-C

Based on its experience with MGSE, SAB was involved in the development of hoisting devices, integration frames and transport containers for EDRS-C, Galileo FOC and the ExoMars 2018 Carrier Module.

Optical System for Imagery and Surveillance (OPSIS) Satellite

SAB was also involved in optical payload programmes such as the OPSIS Satellite. This earned the company substantial experience in optical payload accommodation solutions.

EUCLID

SAB is involved in the EUCLID programme, for which it is responsible for mechanical sub-system design, manufacturing, and environmental testing of the Instruments (VIS and NIS Experiments)

IOSHEX

SAB is a primary contractor for IOSHEX, an In-Orbit Servicing System module for SSMS structures on Vega and Vega-C launchers. IOSHEX can insert satellites into various orbits, service malfunctioning satellites, actively deorbit space debris, and support the manufacturing of large structures in space. The solution is based on the SSMS structure as a continuation and development of the capabilities. The project engages several European partners.

IOSHEX modules can accommodate payloads that would ordinarily consume almost the entirety of a mission’s launch capacity. Its modular design allows for flexible configurations based on the payloads to be deployed and the in-orbit servicing needs of specific missions.