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.
Study the composition and structure of exoplanet atmospheres, observing around 1000 planets and understand how they form and evolve.
Telescope Baffle Full Development (from Phase B1 to CD) – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT
Study the composition and structure of exoplanet atmospheres, observing around 1000 planets and understand how they form and evolve.
RAL Space+INAF / LEONARDO
Detect and characterize exoplanets by observing stellar brightness variations cuased by planetary transits, and to stiry stellar oscillations to better understand star interiors.
Camera Thermal Control System EGSE – Design, Manufacturing and AIT
Service Module Machined Parts – Manufacturing
SVM Optical Bench Assembly – Manufacturing
COM K-Band EGSE Adapter – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT
K-Band and S-Band Communication Subsystem Containers – Design, Manufacturing, and AIT
Detect and characterize exoplanets by observing stellar brightness variations cuased by planetary transits, and to stiry stellar oscillations to better understand star interiors.
TAS-E
SABCA
BGC
Explore Jupiter and its icy moons (Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto) – investigating their potential to support life and understanding the formation of gas giant systems.
Medium Gain Antenna Main Assembly (MGAMA) – Co-Design, Manufacturing, and AIT
Explore Jupiter and its icy moons (Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto) – investigating their potential to support life and understanding the formation of gas giant systems.
ADS (AST Prime SENER)
Study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and interior to understand why Earth and Venus evolved so differently despite similar size and composition.
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.
SENER
We design, manufacture and test complex systems in-house, offering fully integrated engineering services.
ESA has announced that the PLATO mission has successfully completed tests under space-like conditions at the Large Space Simulator, a key step in verifying performance ahead of its planned 2027 launch.
The mission will search for Earth-like planets using 26 high-precision cameras. Active Space Technologies contributed through several engineering and manufacturing elements, including thermal control EGSE, structural components and communication subsystem containers.
Image Credit: ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a new milestone for Space Rider, with the completion of its full-scale drop-test model. The tests will simulate the final phase of reentry, validating key aspects of the system.
Space Rider is designed as a reusable orbital laboratory for experiments in low Earth orbit. Active Space Technologies contributes through the development of the Payload Cargo Bay Academic THOR Experiment Enclosure, covering design, manufacturing and AIT.
Image Credit: ESA
Active Space Technologies is featured in a recent article by As Beiras highlighting Coimbra’s role in the growing space economy. The region brings together companies, research centres and new initiatives, supported by a national strategy aligned with ESA.
With contributions to more than 30 space missions over the past two decades, Active Space Technologies is part of this ecosystem, alongside other industry and academic players driving the sector’s development.
Image Credit: ESA
Active Space Technologies was mentioned in the latest Contra-Corrente episode by Observador, where Pedro Machado highlighted the role of Portuguese companies involved in the programme.
The episode was released in the context of Artemis II, with astronauts returning to Earth after orbiting the Moon. Active Space Technologies contributes to ARIEL through the development of the Telescope Baffle, covering design, manufacturing and AIT, in an ongoing collaboration.
Image Credit: NASA
ESA has awarded OHB Sweden the development of the EPS-Sterna weather satellite constellation, building on the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS). This system will increase the frequency of atmospheric observations, improving weather forecasting. Active Space Technologies is part of the consortium, contributing with platform strut, mechanical components and MGSE, continuing the work carried out on AWS.
Image Credit: ESA
ESA’s PLATO mission has successfully passed its vibration tests, moving closer to its operation phase. The mission will identify and characterize planetary systems, with a focus on rocky planets orbiting Sun-like stars. Active Space Technologies contributed to PLATO through several engineering and manufacturing elements, including the Camera Thermal Control System EGSE, Service Module machined parts, the SVM Optical Bench Assembly, the COM K-Band EGSE Adapter and the K-Band and S-Band communication subsystem containers.
Image Credit: ESA
Active Space Technologies contributed to the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS), the precursor mission to Europe’s next-generation EPS-Sterna polar satellite constellation. AST delivered the flight platform structure (CM, SM and PFM) and the MGSE for the AIT campaign, covering design, manufacturing, integration and support to launch and in-orbit operations. EPS-Sterna has now been approved and is planned to begin launches in 2029, enhancing Europe’s weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities.
Image Credit: ESA
University of Coimbra will launch a new Aerospace Engineering degree in the 2026/2027 academic year, with Active Space Technologies involved since its inception.
The company joined the advisory panel responsible for defining the curriculum, contributing its practical expertise in areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and space systems. This collaboration will continue throughout the implementation of the program, strengthening the connection between the University and aerospace sector.
The BepiColombo mission celebrated seven years in space. Active Space Technologies contributed key components to this joint ESA–JAXA effort, namely the MSASI (Mercury Sodium Atmospheric Spectral Imager) aboard the Japanese orbiter (MMO), and the MGA Boom (Medium Gain Antenna Boom) for the European orbiter (MPO), developed in collaboration with SENER. As the spacecraft prepares for orbital insertion around Mercury in 2026, the mission continues to deliver important progress in the study of one of the Solar System’s most challenging planetary environments.
Image Credit: ESA
Active Space Technologies participated in Space Tech Expo 2025, held from 18 to 20 November in Bremen.
Throughout the event, General Manager Filipe Castanheira joined the AED Cluster Portugal booth (C09), engaging with industry leaders and partners in three days dedicated to space technology, innovation and international collaboration.
We welcome spontaneous applications for both job opportunities and internships across all areas.
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:
Inventory management:
Identifying the need to purchase consumables.
Support for integration teams:
Minimum requirements:
Academic Qualification
Technical Experience
Other capabilities
Languages
Availability