Satellite made in Friedrichshain

Berlin, 30 July 2024 – Hidden in the depths of Friedrichshain, the young and international team from the new space start-up Reflex Aerospace is researching and developing state-of-the-art satellite technology. This autumn, their first satellite will be sent into space in cooperation with SpaceX – the launch is planned for 1 October 2024.

In the future, 3D printing will play a key role in the production of additional follow-up models. The company is also supported in this endeavour by the AMBER (Additive Manufacturing Berlin Brandenburg) initiative. This was founded by Berlin Partner on behalf of the Berlin Senate and currently supports thirteen research and development projects. As part of the AMBER project ESAF - Development of an integrative satellite structure using additive manufacturing processes - Reflex Aerospace is working on its own orientation system for the satellite, the so-called star sensor, in which 3D printing can significantly reduce weight, production time and costs. This development is supported by the ProFIT funding program and the AMBER cluster. The total volume of the project is around 900,000 Euro.

Reflex Aerospace specialises in the efficient and time-optimised development and construction of dual-use satellite technologies. The startup stands out from other competitors due to its flexible, fast and cost-effective production. Reflex Aerospace also promises to complete production of the satellites within twelve months. The delivery of the first commercial satellite to SpaceX this summer marks an important milestone. Reflex Aerospace is also working with the Bremen-based start-up Marple Imaging to establish a technically leading earth observation network in Europe. The company was founded in 2021 and currently employs around 50 people