The goal is to make commercial microsystems for space applications
NanoSpace AB is a company spun off from the Ångström Laboratory of the Uppsala University in Sweden. It was set up to develop silicon-based microsystems such as microthrusters for precise attitude and formation flying control and Xenon feed systems for electric propulsion. The company was formed by the inventor and Swedish space technology pioneer Lars Stenmark, professor of space technology at Uppsala University. The work on these products at Uppsala is supported by contracts from the European Space Agency.
The applications of micropropulsion technology could appear in projects such as formation-flying space telescopes. The micro- to milli-newton proportional thrust level of these thrusters will enable the control precision needed for new discoveries of the potential for life in the Universe. The Xenon feed system is an essential part of electric propulsion systems that now begin to revolutionize space exploration and applications. The silicon microsystem technology will make it possible to greatly reduce the size and increase the control precision of Xenon feed systems.
While acquiring the controlling interest in NanoSpace AB, the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has secured the continued engagement of professor Stenmark, the company’s founder and inventor of its product portfolio, as well as the transfer of all relevant intellectual property rights to NanoSpace AB. Professor Stenmark retains a 25% share of the company.
SSC brings into this new venture its wide experience of designing, launching and operating space systems, most recently demonstrated in the development of ESA’s successful Moon probe SMART-1. NanoSpace AB has also secured access to the sophisticated materials science laboratory facilities and staff of the Ångström Laboratory.
In a comment, SSC’s president and CEO, Claes-Göran Borg says: “The Swedish Space Corporation has a strategy of technical excellence and this acquisition will keep us in the forefront of this exciting new technology field, which we believe has considerable commercial potential.”
Professor Stenmark expresses his “delight at again joining forces with the Swedish Space Corporation, the company where I took my first steps in space technology before I set up my own business and academic career. SSC is a powerhouse of knowledge because of its role as a ‘complete’ space enterprise covering every aspect from design to operations.”
NanoSpace AB will have its operating base at Uppsala and its president is Tor-Arne Grönland, an employee of SSC with a wide experience from aerospace engineering and management of R & D programmes.
For additional information contact:
Mr Tor-Arne Grönland, tor-arne.gronland@ssc.se,
Tel: +46 8 627 63 73, Mobile: +46 70 424 41 04
The Swedish Space Corporation, designing, launching and operating space systems.
