We reflect on an incredible year of innovation, milestones, and achievements at Space Applications Services. From groundbreaking projects to new leadership, here are the highlights of a truly transformative year:
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Launch of STARFAB: Pioneering the Future of Orbital Sustainability
The year began with a strong start as the European Commission awarded Space Applications a project strategic for Europe to design a space warehouse and ecosystem for on-orbit servicing and maintenance (STARFAB). STARFAB prototypes an ecosystem to repair, replace, recycle, and refuel servicing satellites in orbit. This ambitious initiative aligns with the space sector’s commitment to extending satellite lifespans and reducing orbital debris.
Learn more: www.horizon-starfab.com -
Welcoming Robert Taub as Majority Shareholder
In April 2024, we were excited to welcome Mr. Robert Taub as our new majority shareholder. A seasoned multi-entrepreneur with a vision for success, Robert brings fresh ambition and bold plans to propel Space Applications Services to new heights. -
Mobile Gravity Off-loading System (MOGOS): Revolutionizing Astronaut Training
Testing and simulating space operations realistically in reduced gravity is a major contributor to mission success and ensuring astronaut safety. 2024 marked the culmination of years of hard work as our engineers completed develop an innovative mobile gravity off-loading system. The first customers for this patented technology are ESA and the German Space Agency DLR). Space Applications Services will outfit the 700m2 LUNA facility at the European Astronaut Centre campus in Köln, Germany. The unique features of MOGOS allow multiple space systems and multiple astronauts to interact simultaneously, without translational constraints. Astronauts and lunar rovers will navigate challenging terrain, simulating the lunar surface, preparing for the moment they will set foot on the lunar surface.
Discover more about MOGOS: -
Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Explosive Devices (AIDEDex): Advancing Defence Technology
In June, Space Applications Services demonstrated its solution for detection of explosive devices. This innovative system, combining the capabilities of aerial drones and ground robots, was successfully tested over two weeks in realistic conditions in Sweden, showcasing the benefits of AI for localisation of mines.
More info about AIDEDex : -
International Commercial Experiment Service (ICE Cubes): Enabling Research on the ISS
The number of customers using our facility installed on the International Space Station has been increasing as well as the cadence of our control centre operations activities in our head office close to Brussels. Highlights include the Axiom-3 mission in January and the SpaceX CRS-31 mission in November both of which resulted in achieving ground breaking science. These missions underscore our commitment to advancing scientific research in microgravity.
Learn more in the ICE Cubes January 2025 Newsletter -
Looking Ahead
2024 has been a year of remarkable progress and achievement for Space Applications Services and we see this continuing in the first weeks of 2025 with contracts being finalised for ESA’s Large Lunar Lander – Argonaut and for lunar rover development. With new partnerships, cutting-edge technologies, and a strengthened team, we look forward to continuing to shape the future of space exploration and innovation in 2025.