FLEX multi-hinge solar arrays

FLEX multi-hinge solar arrays
The quantification of a fundamental process that big parts of life on earth depend on - photosynthetic activity - is key of the Earth Explorer - Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) ESA mission. At the moment, photosynthetic activity cannot be measured from space. Using a novel sensor, FLEX will be able to and therefore will improve our understanding of how photosynthesis affects the carbon and water cycles on earth. Additionally, FLEX can deliver insight into plant health and stress which is particularly relevant since the growing global population is facing challenges on the production of food and animal feed.
SpaceTech will empower the FLEX satellite with solar arrays
STI was contracted by Thales Alena Space for the design and manufacturing of the FLEX solar arrays. After several other flight contracts for export and new space missions, this is the first application for our innovative multi-hinge deployment mechanism and automated PVA laydown process on an ESA mission.
FLEX mission launch
Satellite launch is planned for 2023 as well.
FLEX satellite with deployed STI multi-hinge solar arrays
Learn more about the FLEX mission on the ESA website
LEMON: EGU2020 General Assembly online

LEMON: EGU2020 General Assembly online
The LEMON tree is growing again.
Please find more information on the LEMON DIAL project website as well as on our website
Aero Space Respirator takes next step to concession

Aero Space Respirator takes next step to concession
On its way to final concession, the ASR runs through many rounds of different testing in the engineering as well as in the clinical environment under more demanding conditions. The next step will now be taken by a pre-series of seven units. In this pilot-production the two SMEs SpaceTech and AST split tasks of design and manufacturing.
Aero Space Respirator preproduction-series
Within this first week of May, STI will be finalizing the first ASR of the pre-series, ready for testing at the JLU in the following week. At a press conference in the week after, we will be presenting the device to the public.
Visit our crowd funding campaign: Ventilators for the world
Aero Space Respirator development next milestone

STI Aero Space Respirator development next milestone
SpaceTech and AST are developing the fast reproducible ventilator for use on COVID-19 patients. The Aero Space Respirator (ASR) is designed with available parts from other industries, such as the Sodastream bottle being used for mixing the respiratory air. Both companies are self-financing this project, supported by the crowd funding campaign: "Ventilators for the world".
ASR reached next milestone
Today, April 21st, 2020, the ASR project takes its next step, being tested at the project supporting University Hospital of Gießen Marburg (UKGM). The latest version has a leight-weight and compact housing and comes with ASR software - ready for final testing.
![]() ASR engineers demonstrating the ASR development phases 1, 2 and the final testing version 3 at the STI clean room |
![]() Test set-up of the latest ASR version with 1000 mL Dräger lung at STI test lab |
![]() View inside the ASR version 3 |
SpaceTech's ASR development team at STI headquarters
Crowd-Funding für schnell verfügbares Beatmungsgerät ASR

Crowd-Funding für schnell verfügbares Beatmungsgerät ASR von SpaceTech
Die COVID-19 Pandemie betrifft alle Länder dieser Welt und fordert eine hohe Zahl an Menschenleben. Ein Grund für diese schreckliche Entwicklung ist die zu geringe Zahl an Beatmungsplätzen auf Intensivstationen. Selbst der Aufbau von Notkrankenhäusern genügt nicht, falls nicht ausreichend invasive Beatmungsgeräte zur Verfügung stehen. Aus diesem Grund haben zwei mittelständische Unternehmen der Raumfahrtbranche (AST Advanced Space Technologies GmbH und SpaceTech GmbH) "Tigerteams" gebildet. Beraten durch Mediziner des Universitätsklinikum Gießen Marburg (UKGM) wird ein Beatmungsgerät (ASR) für den Einsatz auf Intensivstationen (continous mandatory ventilation) entwickelt.
Als nächsten Schritt planen wir Geräte insbesondere für betroffene Länder der 2. und 3. Welt zur Verfügung zu stellen. Hierzu hoffen wir ebenfalls auf die Unterstützung der Crowd Community.
ASR beim Test am Dummy
Hier geht es zur Crowd-Funding Kampagne "Ventilators for the world" >