Beyond Gravity thruster pointing mechanism has won a major contract to supply thruster pointing mechanisms for SWISSto12’s upcoming HummingSat small geostationary telecommunications satellites, marking another step forward in Europe’s satellite manufacturing sector.
Robotic Arm for Orbit Control
Under the agreement, Beyond Gravity will develop and produce electric propulsion pointing mechanisms in the form of a multi-axis robotic arm for five HummingSat satellites. The robotic systems will guide the satellites’ electric thrusters, keeping them precisely on station at 35,786 kilometers above Earth.
“With this thruster pointing mechanism, we are setting a new industry standard,” said Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President Satellites at Beyond Gravity. “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.”
The pointing mechanisms are being designed and built at Beyond Gravity’s Vienna site, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
APPMAX Technology as the Basis
The new robotic arm builds on Beyond Gravity’s proven APPMAX family of pointing mechanisms. According to Wolfgang Pawlinetz, Vice President Thermal & Mechanisms at Beyond Gravity, the technology is critical for orbit-raising and station-keeping.
“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,” Pawlinetz said. “After launch, 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.”
Beyond Gravity already has orders for more than 100 electric thruster pointing mechanisms, positioning it as one of the leading suppliers globally. The company highlights its strong track record of successful deliveries, flight heritage, and industrial capacity for high-cadence production.
Solar Array Drive Mechanisms for SWISSto12
Alongside thruster systems, Beyond Gravity will also supply solar array drive mechanisms for the HummingSat fleet. Produced at its Zurich facility with slip rings from its Nyon site, these devices will ensure the satellites’ solar panels are optimally oriented toward the sun, securing the necessary power supply for operations.
Slip rings, the company explains, allow the transmission of electrical power and signals from stationary structures to rotating elements—an essential function in keeping satellites powered throughout their mission life.
Strengthening European Space Capabilities
The HummingSat program, developed by SWISSto12, is aimed at delivering a new generation of small GEO satellites designed for flexible and cost-efficient telecommunications services. By contributing both propulsion and power mechanisms, Beyond Gravity reinforces its role as a critical supplier in Europe’s satellite value chain.
