Airborne and ATG partner for development of composite launcher structures

Reducing launch costs is one of the biggest challenges in the NewSpace era. Composite launcher structures help satellite and launcher manufacturers achieve higher performance at lower cost. Together with ATG Europe, Airborne is developing a new class of ultralight grid-stiffened composite structures that combine minimal weight, high stiffness, and cost-efficient production. 

Next level light weight for space: composite grid structures

A competitive approach to launcher structures 

ATG’s patented design and process innovations are combined with Airborne’s expertise in automated composite manufacturing to create a structure that redefines what’s possible for launcher components. The result is an efficient architecture designed for both high performance and manufacturability, essential in Europe’s competitive launcher market. 

For ATG, moving from manual production to machined production is an important step in the industrialization of its composite structures. In this video, ATG and Airborne CEO Sandor Woldendorp explain in detail how their partnership transforms research into recurring production

High performance, low cost

These grid-stiffened structures achieve superior stiffness-to-weight ratios by placing uninterrupted, uni-directional composite ribs along the main load paths, fully exploiting the material’s strength. The structure is produced in a single layup and curing step, resulting in a net-shape component without secondary assembly. This one-shot process reduces cost and lead time while improving precision and repeatability. 

The composite structures are based on more than 10 years of development and technological maturation, partially funded and supported through Dutch contributions via the Netherlands Space Office in the ESA GSTP and BOOST program. 

Building the future of NewSpace with composite launcher structures

With this new approach, ATG and Airborne help make access to space more efficient and affordable. Together, we enable the next generation of launcher structures for the growing NewSpace market.

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