involved in satellite platforms, payloads and launchers

Structural systems

Satellite platforms

Advanced structural solutions for satellites platforms, from small to large satellites, from design to delivery.
- Sandwich panels structures
- Metallic and composite
- Full metallic lightweight structures for small satellites and constellations
Launchers and space vehicles

Large experience in design, and manufacturing of structures for launchers, re-entry vehicles, crew vehicles or space station.
- Complex metallic machined structures
- Composite structures
- 3D Orthogonal weaving for space launchers
- Large sizes
Instruments structures

Experience in design and manufacturing of structures for large instruments, including: optical benches, bipods, cylinder baffles or secondary and tertiary components.
- Advanced high-performance structural solutions for instruments
- Integration of Mechanisms/Avionics
- Metallic and Carbon parts, complex assemblies, bipods, baffles…
Human space exploration & re-entry hypersonic vehicles

Development, manufacturing and testing of various structures and functional subsystems
- Complex primary and secondary structures in alloy and/or composite
- Functional subsytems with integration of avionics, harnesses and thermal management design

Subsystems

Design, manufacturing, and testing of subsystems and their associated systems and components, with a 15-years strong thermal analysis background.

Electro-Mechanical Subsystems
- Design and build of complete end-to-end electro-mechanical subsystems, including:
  - Thermal management
  - Harnesses design and manufacturing
  - Space electronics and actuators integration
- Innovative solutions at the crossroad between structure and function
Scientific instruments

Industrial support to scientific institutions for the development, industrialization, production and qualification of scientific instruments in different domains: in situ planetary exploration (Mars, Moon, asteroids…), Earth observation or Solar system exploration.
- Project management support
- Technical coordination
- Systems engineering
- AIT (Assembly Integration and Testing)
- Mechanical and thermal engineering
- Product and Quality Assurance
- Configuration management on the instrument and its subsystems
ISS instruments

Development of experiments for use on the International Space Station. Engineering, project Management and MAIT support up to launch and operations, with a vast network of suppliers and partners.
- Development of full functional 3D printer breadboard capable to print with PEEK polymer
- Printer fulfills the majority of ISS safety requirement
- Printer is designed for parabolic flight experiment
- Printer is capable of printing with inverted g vector (upside down) simulating zero g environment
- Functional parts printed are showing good functional performance and mechanical properties

Tests & supports

Static & Dynamic tests

Custom test services to meet specific customer challenges, conducted to international standards.
- Certified and experienced experts team members
- International Standards and ECSS compliant tests
- Management of dynamic tests: Vibration (sine and random), TVAC, shocks, EMC/EMI
- Diversified network of test means suppliers in the region, allowing for responsive and cost-effective tests campaigns under SONACA experts responsibility
- Large scale fully adaptable set-ups
- Materials, structural and thermal tests complete portfolio
Thermal tests and qualification

Thermal testing and qualification according to ECSS and NASA standards, in vacuum and ambient pressure, up to cryogenic conditions.
- MTVAC, Medium Thermal Vacuum Chamber for high vacuum tests (p up to 10-8 mbar), eventually with controlled air or CO2/N2 atmosphere, 50x50x50cm³, configurable
- Thermally controlled shroud with Liquid nitrogen/heater system (-190°C, 200°C)
- Thermally controlled cold plate (-70°C/+150°C), with LN2 cooling optional (-190°C, 200°C)
- Cryogenic thermal chamber (-135°C, 135°C) with purging capabilities, for life cycle tests
- Support to testing in external facilities, including test plans, procedures, predictions, correlation
- Test management activities, with on and off-site support of experienced test engineers
Assembly and Integration

In addition to its global manufacturing capabilities, Sonaca has a dedicated space facility in Belgium.
- 200m² workshop
- 720m² of clean room
- Level 100 000 cleanliness
- 2 floors available for operations: 1/ storage and transit, and 2/ structure integration and assembly
Transport containers

Transport and storage container for flight hardware and sensitive equipment , available in a variety of sizes and configurations (e.g. for satellites, systems, instruments, with active controls or fully passive).
- Robust and lightweight body with modular elements construction (easy and economic to adapt to various dimensions)
- Shock/vibration absorption system, GN2 purging, equalization and relief system
- Integrated closed circuit environmental control system and environmental monitoring (e.g. pressure, temperature, humidity, acceleration)
- Active Thermal Control (optional)
- Full ECSS- or industrial-level documentation
GSE instruments

Design, development and realization of testing and calibration of ground support equipment for scientific instruments.
- Thermally controlled enclosures
- Calibration targets
- Ad-hoc dedicated software
- Monitoring and control systems
- Including Vacuum, pneumatic, cryogenic and/or fluidic systems
- Compatible with clean room operations
- With tailorable documentation level, from scientific development level up to full ECSS-level (e.g. for Qualification and Ground Reference activities)
Handling MGSE

Lifting, handling and assembly Ground Support Equipment, for sizes ranging to small satellites and Equipment to fully loaded satellites.
- Lifting devices for complete satellites, for weights up to 7000 kg, with full ECSS verification
- Handling devices for small satellites, with an excellent price/quality ratio
- Tooling for production of launcher parts and for assembly of complete satellites