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

ARIEL

2019

Study the composition and structure of exoplanet atmospheres, observing around 1000 planets and understand how they form and evolve.

ARIEL

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.

Name

ARIEL (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey)

Start

2019

End

on going

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

RAL Space+INAF / LEONARDO

Domain

Space institutional

PLATO

2019

Detect and characterize exoplanets by observing stellar brightness variations cuased by planetary transits, and to stiry stellar oscillations to better understand star interiors.

PLATO

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.

Name

PLATO (Planetary Transits and Oscillations of stars)

Start

2019

End

2024

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

TAS-E

SABCA

BGC

Domain

Space institutional

JUICE

2017

Explore Jupiter and its icy moons (Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto) – investigating their potential to support life and understanding the formation of gas giant systems.

JUICE

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.

Name

JUICE (Jupiter ICy moons Explorer)

Start

2017

End

2020

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

ADS (AST Prime SENER)

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

New Aerospace Engineering degree to open in Coimbra next year

New Aerospace Engineering degree to open in Coimbra next year

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.

BepiColombo Mission Celebrates 7 Years in Space

BepiColombo Mission Celebrates 7 Years in Space

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.

Active Space Technologies participates in Space Tech Expo 2025

Active Space Technologies participates in Space Tech Expo 2025

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.

Active Space Technologies at Inovação@UC

Active Space Technologies at Inovação@UC


Active Space Technologies participated in Inovação@UC 2025, an event organized by the University of Coimbra edicated to innovation and applied research. The 5th edition highlighted topics such as Space, Quantum Computing, Advanced Material and Sustainability, presenting projects that demonstrate how scientific and technological development can create impact across multiple sectors.

Coimbra Invest Summit 2025 – Diário de Coimbra coverage

Coimbra Invest Summit 2025 – Diário de Coimbra coverage


During the Coimbra Invest Summit 2025, Filipe Martins Castanheira spoke with Diário de Coimbra about Active Space Technologies and the role of engineering developed in Coimbra within the space sector. The interview highlighted the company’s contribution to technological development at both regional and national levels. Watch the full video interview here

Active Space Technologies featured on RTP1’s “Portugal em Direto”

Active Space Technologies featured on RTP1’s “Portugal em Direto”


Active Space Technologies was featured in an RTP1 segment broadcast on Portugal em Direto, covering the Coimbra Invest Summit. The report included a brief interview with Filipe Castanheira and footage from AST’s facilities, highlighting precision machining work carried out in-house. The feature provided national visibility to Coimbra’s technological ecosystem and the role of AST in advancing engineering within the European space sector.

Careers

Come work with us!

Position Title

Location

Type of contract

Description

Web Developer

Coimbra

Termo Incerto

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Coimbra
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