Making space

a global endeavour

Founded in 2004, Active Space Technologies specializes in advanced engineering solutions for the space, aeronautics, nuclear fusion and defence sectors. From concept to qualification, we deliver high-precision electromechanical systems, structures and thermal subsystems that support some of the world’s most demanding missions.

With 20 years of experience, Active Space Technologies provides cutting-edge electromechanical solutions for the space, aeronautics and nuclear industries. We propel the future of exploration and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.

Our Mission

Deliver specialised mechanical and electronic engineering for extreme environments, providing fully integrated systems from design to manufacturing and AIT. Through precision and multidisciplinary expertise, we ensure mission success and the long-term reliability of space, defence, nuclear and industrial programmes.

Our Vision

Become a European reference in high-value opto-mechanical and electro-mechanical subsystems for demanding applications. Driven by technical excellence and innovation, we aim to set industry benchmarks while supporting scientific, industrial and defence missions worldwide, guided by the spirit of “Making Space a Global Endeavour”.

Our Values

  • Ethics & Responsibility;

  • Excellence & Trust;

  • Transparency & Rigor;
  • Cooperation & Sharing;

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Partners

Heritage

EnVision

SRS (Subsurface Radar System Sounder) Mechanical Tubes & Fittings – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT
Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus envolved so differently despite similar size and composition.

Name

EnVision (ESA Venus Orbiter)

Customer

2024 - on ongoing

Mission

SENER

Mass

ESA

Launch Date

20251225

Launch Site

2031 (planned)

Launcher

Ariane 6

Orbit

Venus elliptical polar orbit (-220-540 km altitude)

ITER

Demostrate the scientific and technological feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free energy source by creating and controlling a sustained burning plasma.
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Name

Info

Customer

Info

Mission

Info

Mass

Info

Launch Date

20251225

Launch Site

Info

Launcher

Info

Orbit

Info

Copernicus HPCM

CIMR: Mechanical Frame Skelleton – Co-Engineering, Manufacturing and Assembly Mechanical Frame Assembly – Integration CHIME: CSS Support Brackets and Connector Brackets – Co-Design and Manufacturing LSTM: Platform Machined Parts – Manufacturing Platform integration MGSE – Design. Manufacturing, and AIT
Part of the Copernicus High-Priority Candidate Missions, providing advanced enviromental, climatic and atmospheric data. CIMR measures sea-surface temperature, ice concentration and salinity; CHIME delivers hyperspectral imaging for land and vegetation monitoring; LSTM provides thermal infrared observations for agricultural and water-use applications.

Name

Copernicus HPCM (High-Priority Candidate Missions)

Customer

EnVision (ESA Venus Orbiter)

Mission

CIMR: OHB-I CHIME: OHB LSTM: APCO

Mass

Info

Launch Date

20251225

Launch Site

Guiana Space Centre, Kourou (French Guiana)

Launcher

Ariane 6

Orbit

SSO(~600–830 km depending on satellite)

Heritage

EnVision

2024

Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus evolved so differently despite similar size and composition.

EnVision

SRS (Subsurface Radar System Sounder) Mechanical Tubes & Fittings – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT

Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus evolved so differently despite similar size and composition.

Name

EnVision (ESA Venus Orbiter)

Start

2024

End

on going

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

SENER

Domain

Space institutional

Copernicus HPCM

2022

Part of the Copernicus High-Priority Candidate Missions, providing advanced enviromental, climatic and atmospheric data. CIMR measures sea-surface temperature, ice concentration and salinity; CHIME delivers hyperspectral imaging for land and vegetation monitoring; LSTM provides thermal infrared observations for agricultural and water-use applications.

Copernicus HPCM

CIMR:
Mechanical Frame Skelleton – Co-Engineering, Manufacturing and Assembly
Mechanical Frame Assembly – Integration

CHIME:
CSS Support Brackets and Connector Brackets – Co-Design and Manufacturing

LSTM:
Platform Machined Parts – Manufacturing
Platform integration MGSE – Design. Manufacturing, and AIT

Part of the Copernicus High-Priority Candidate Missions, providing advanced enviromental, climatic and atmospheric data. CIMR measures sea-surface temperature, ice concentration and salinity; CHIME delivers hyperspectral imaging for land and vegetation monitoring; LSTM provides thermal infrared observations for agricultural and water-use applications.

Name

Copernicus HPCM (High-Priority Candidate Missions)

Start

2022

End

on going

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

CIMR: OHB-I
CHIME: OHB
LSTM: APCO

Domain

Space institutional

AWS

2021

Improve weather forecasting in the Arctic by provinding frquent microwave observation of cloud and surface conditions.

AWS

Flight Platform Structure – CM + SM + PFM – Design, Manufacturing and AIT
MGSE for AIT campaign – Design, Manufacturing and AIT

Improve weather forecasting in the Arctic by provinding frquent microwave observation of cloud and surface conditions.

Name

AWS (Arctic Weather Satellite)

Start

2021

End

2024

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

OHB Sweden

Domain

Space institutional

EnVision

2024

Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus evolved so differently despite similar size and composition.

EnVision

SRS (Subsurface Radar System Sounder) Mechanical Tubes & Fittings – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT

Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus evolved so differently despite similar size and composition.

Name

EnVision (ESA Venus Orbiter)

Start

2024

End

on going

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

SENER

Domain

Space institutional

Services & Facilities

We design, manufacture and test complex systems in-house, offering fully integrated engineering services.

Mechanical Design Engineering

From requirement to upper-level integration, we deliver precise mechanical designs and the procedures needed to bring them into reality.

Structural Engineering

Structural and dynamic analysis (FEA, modal, vibration) to ensure mechanical integrity under launch and operational conditions.

Electronics Engineering

Development of power systems, harnesses and control electronics for mission-critical applications.

Machining & AIT

Precision machining, assembly, integration and testing of space hardware, complete with qualification and exportable documentation.

Electronics Lab

Design, prototyping and testing of electronic systems, including harness integration and functional verification.

Cleanroom

The ISO 7 cleanroom includes high-value assets like TVAC facilities, ensuring components are assembled and tested under strict cleanliness and space-simulated conditions.

Follow our latest updates

From two satellites to a fleet: Active Space Technologies’ ECO article

From two satellites to a fleet: Active Space Technologies’ ECO article

Four and a half years ago, Active Space Technologies delivered two satellites for what would become one of the world’s largest constellations. That relationship has now grown into the largest order in the company’s history, with structural components for 340 satellites, deliveries expected through 2028. In parallel, the company continues to contribute to reference missions, including PLATO, ARIEL and EnVision. The next chapter looks beyond Europe. Active Space Technologies is preparing to expand into the Middle East through an already approved internationalisation programme, while exploring new opportunities at the intersection of space and defence. Filipe Castanheira, General Manager of Active Space, spoke about this journey in a recent interview with ECO/eRadar. Read more here

Four and a half years ago, Active Space Technologies delivered two satellites for what would become one of the world’s largest constellations. That relationship has now grown into the largest order in the company’s history, with structural components for 340 satellites, deliveries expected through 2028. In parallel, the company continues to contribute to reference missions, including PLATO, ARIEL and EnVision.
The next chapter looks beyond Europe. Active Space Technologies is preparing to expand into the Middle East through an already approved internationalisation programme, while exploring new opportunities at the intersection of space and defence. Filipe Castanheira, General Manager of Active Space, spoke about this journey in a recent interview with ECO/eRadar.

Read more here

From Arctic Weather Satellite to the EPS-STERNA constellation

From Arctic Weather Satellite to the EPS-STERNA constellation

Following the contribution to ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite, Active Space Technologies is now supporting the EPS-STERNA programme, EUMETSAT’s next generation weather satellite constellation. Comprising 22 satellites, the system will provide more frequent atmospheric observations to improve weather forecasting.
AST is responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Platform Structure and the Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) required to support each satellite through launch preparation.

Image credit: European Space Agency

AST and UC join forces to support aerospace talent

AST and UC join forces to support aerospace talent

Active Space Technologies has signed a three-year partnership with the University of Coimbra, through the Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC). The agreement promotes closer collaboration between industry and academia through internships, master’s dissertations and doctoral research developed within the company.
The partnership also includes joint research projects and the participation of AST engineers in classes, seminars and workshops, supporting the education of future aerospace engineers.

Read more here

Image credit: Universidade de Coimbra

Active Space Technologies secures largest order in company history

Active Space Technologies secures largest order in company history

Active Space Technologies has secured the largest order in its history from one of the world’s leading New Space companies. The project follows an expanding collaboration with major international space organisations and highlights the company’s growing role in complex space programmes.

The work will further strengthen Active Space Technologies’ presence in the New Space sector, where technical expertise and execution capability are essential.

Active+ concludes with results beyond initial targets

Active+ concludes with results beyond initial targets

Active + has completed this phase of the project, achieving results beyond its initial objectives. Led by Active Space Technologies, the consortium worked with partners to validate innovative technologies in real-world environments.

Among the project’s key outcomes was the implementation of an ISO 5 cleanroom, strengthening the infrastructure available for development, integration and testing. The capabilities created throughout the project will continue to support technology validation and innovation beyond its formal conclusion.

Coimbra Supernova furthers the region on Europe’s space map

Coimbra Supernova furthers the region on Europe’s space map

Active Space Technologies is part of Coimbra Supernova, a new alliance bringing together companies, academia and public entities to develop the region’s space sector. The initiative aims to strengthen competitiveness, attract talent and position Coimbra as a leading cluster in Portugal and Europe.
The project targets the growth of the ecosystem, with ambitions to increase turnover and create highly qualified jobs, consolidating collaboration between industry and research.

Read more here

Image Credit: Município de Coimbra

Active Space Technologies in focus in The Next Big Idea segment on SIC Notícias

Active Space Technologies in focus in The Next Big Idea segment on SIC Notícias

Filipe Castanheira, General Manager of Active Space Technologies, was featured in a SIC Notícias segment by The Next Big Idea in the context of the Startup Capital Summit 2026.
The piece highlights Coimbra’s growing role in the space sector and reflects the trajectory of Active Space Technologies, from its early days at Instituto Pedro Nunes to its current positioning as a subsystem integrator for space.

Watch the full video here

Active Space Technologies & Active+ at Startup Capital Summit

Active Space Technologies & Active+ at Startup Capital Summit

Active Space Technologies and Active+ attended the Startup Capital Summit 2026, held at the Convento São Francisco, in Coimbra. The event brought together startups, investors, companies and innovation leaders to explore emerging technologies and collaboration opportunities. Throughout the day, both teams engaged in meetings, matchmaking sessions and networking, connecting with new projects and contributing to discussions around innovation and technology.

Active Space Technologies at AED Days 2026

Active Space Technologies at AED Days 2026

Active Space Technologies attended the AED Days 2026, held in Oeiras and Cascais from May 27 to 29. The event brought together companies, institutions and organizations from the aeronautics, space and defence sectors, both national and international. With a dedicated exhibition area and a structured programme, AED Days provided a platform for sharing capabilities, exploring industry developments and strengthening connections across the ecosystem.

Active Space Technologies featured in article on Coimbra’s space ecosystem

Active Space Technologies featured in article on Coimbra’s space ecosystem

Active Space Technologies is featured in a recent article by The Next Big Idea, highlighting Coimbra’s growing role in the space economy ahead of the Startup Capital Summit.
With over two decades of activity, AST contributes to multiple space programmes, accumulating extensive engineering experience and integrating international supply chains, as part of a broader ecosystem bringing together and innovation in the region.

Read more here

Image credit: The Next Big Idea

Careers

Come work with us!

We welcome spontaneous applications for both job opportunities and internships across all areas.

Position Title

Location

Type of contract

Description

VN- 0001 Production Technician

Taveiro, Coimbra

Fixed-term Contract

Active Space Technologies is looking for a motivated production technician with the aim of developing professionally within the sector and supporting our engineering teams in the various day-to-day activities that support production in the space industry.

 

Department/Area: Mechanical Machining Workshop – Coimbra

Active Space Technologies is looking for a motivated Production Technician, with the aim of developing professionally within the sector and supporting our engineering teams in the various day-to-day activities that underpin production in the space industry.

Duties and Responsabilities

Taking delivery of:

  • Raw materials
  • Components
  • Respective compliance reports

Inventory management:

  • Putting documentation into PHC
  • Make production orders by project
  • Allocate material to the stock of each project

Identifying the need to purchase consumables.

Support for integration teams:

  • Production and assembly of structures and packaging.

Minimum requirements:

Academic Qualification

  • 12th grade or university degree
  • Technical training in a relevant area (valued)

Technical Experience

  • Solid knowledge of programming and operating CNC’s, manufacturing metal components
  • Solid knowledge of analyzing technical drawings, dimensions and tolerances of parts
  • Experience in manufacturing, assembly and other functions similar to production, in the area of industrial mechanics (preferred)
  • Knowledge of dimensional control
  • Experience in the aerospace, aeronautics or automotive industry (valued)

Other capabilities

  • Sense of responsibility, capacity for autonomy and problem solving
  • Good interpersonal relations and communication skills
  • Dynamism, proactivity and team spirit
  • Optimizing processes and improving results
  • Experience with computer tools (Excel is valued)
  • Experience using ERPs (PHC preferred)

Languages

  • English (preferred)

Availability

  • Immediate to 2 months.
Taveiro, Coimbra
Fixed-term Contract
Candidatar-se

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