Automated tests for NewSpace

Space is facing a paradigm shift: with the rise of NewSpace – i.e. the increased involvement of private sector players – the requirements for the production and testing of satellites are changing fundamentally. Instead of individual large systems, entire satellite constellations are coming to the fore, which must be manufactured and qualified efficiently, cost-effectively and in large quantities. At the same time, expectations of efficiency, flexibility and innovative strength are increasing. This is where the NeT pioneer project, coordinated by Fraunhofer EMI together with AVIATION & SPACE, comes in. Eight Fraunhofer institutes are pooling their interdisciplinary expertise to develop digitalized, automated and standardized test capacities for NewSpace technologies together with industrial partners from the space, digitalization and production sectors. 

The focus is on researching innovative methods to automate and network test processes – from virtual preparation to real environmental tests in complex laboratories. The aim is to qualify space technologies faster, more efficiently and with less effort. This is crucial, as space environment tests have so far been complex, expensive and infrastructure-heavy. In the long term, the project aims to create a central, flexible production and test house for NewSpace technologies. As “Infrastructure-as-a-Service”, it will offer logistics, clean rooms, integration areas, test benches and specialist knowledge in a flexible and scalable manner. This is supplemented by “Expertise-as-a-Service” with services such as design-for-testability or design-for-series production – in close cooperation with industry, on site and in efficient co-working sprints. NeT pioneer is a prime example of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s practical research. With a focus on digitalization, production technologies and technology transfer, the project supports the transformation of space towards industrial series production and marketable solutions. The aim is to strengthen the economic usability of new technologies and pave the way for commercial applications. The German Space Agency at DLR is funding the pioneering project with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK).