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

Solar Orbiter

2013

Perform high-resolution of the Sun and inner heliosphere; examine solar wind, solar mangetic field, dynamic processes in the solar corona and heliosphere.

Solar Orbiter

Boom Titanium Plates
Full package of STMs – Design, Manufacturing, and Testing
MAIT Feedthroughs – STM + EQM + FM
MAIT Deployable Boom – STMs + FMs

Perform high-resolution of the Sun and inner heliosphere; examine solar wind, solar mangetic field, dynamic processes in the solar corona and heliosphere.

Name

Solar Orbiter

Start

2013

End

2017

Agency

ESA

AST Prime

ADS UK

Domain

Space institutional

ITER

2010

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

ITER

Core Imaging X-ray Spectroscopy (CIXS) – Engineering Redesign and re-analysis due to DMS impact
55.E5 XRCS Core – CAD design, Engineering analyses and prototyping
55.E6 VSRS (Visible Spectroscopy Reference System) – CAD design, Analysis and Integration
55.E6 Shutter – Design and prototyping
55.GE (Divertor Flow Monitor System) – System Load Specifications Definition

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

Name

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor)

Start

2010

End

on going

Agency

ITER

AST Prime

F4E
SLS
ITER

Domain

Big Science

BepiColombo

2010

Study Mercury’s composition, geophysics, atmosphere, magnetosphere, and history, using two orbiters to perform the most comprehensive exploration of the planet to date.

BepiColombo

Mercury Sodium Atmospheric Spectral Imager Cage – SM + EQM + PFM

Study Mercury’s composition, geophysics, atmosphere, magnetosphere, and history, using two orbiters to perform the most comprehensive exploration of the planet to date.

Name

BepiColombo (ESA- JAXA Mission to Mercury)

Start

2010

End

2014

Agency

ESA-JAXA

AST Prime

ADS UK

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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