ASP – Raumfahrt-KMU – Best of Space

MdB Dr. Anna Christmann visits Advanced Space Power Equipment GmbH (ASP) in Salem

By Jens Janke on 1. November 2022in Common, Companies, Politics

CEO Reiner Strobel welcomes MdB Dr. Anna Christmann in her function as coordinator for aerospace of the German government when visiting Advanced Space Power Equipment GmbH (ASP) in Salem.

Galileo hardware in ASP cleanroom (Dr. Anna Christmann (center), Reiner Strobel (front right)

During a tour at the company, it was demonstrated why ASP, as the most important German manufacturer of space power electronics, is involved in the European satellite navigation project Galileo as a critical infrastructure. The company not only develops, manufactures and delivers the power supply for the atomic clocks as the technical basis for the world’s most accurate navigation system. From 2025, the entire navigation instrument of the Galileo satellites of the 2nd generation will be operated with the Central Power Supply Unit (CPSU) of the Salem-based high-tech company ASP.

Mr. Volker Mayer-Lay (Member of the German Parliament) as well as Mr. Klaus Hoher (Member of the Baden-Württemberg Parliament) accompanied the visit at ASP, as well as the Wirtschaftsförderung Bodenseekreis. (thi)

Advanced Space Power Equipment GmbH (ASP)
Point of Contact: Thomas Hintze
E-Mail: t.hintze@asp-equipment.de
Telephone: +49 (7553) 5909-233

ILA 2022: ASP presents the SPICA-virtus PPU

By Jens Janke on 24. June 2022in Common, Companies

Berlin, 23.06.2022.

ASP presents the market launch of the new SPICA-virtus Propulsion Power Unit at ILA 2022. In order to provide an answer to the market requirements for a thruster-independent and technologically innovative PPU, we have used a high degree of digitalization and novel GaN components, says CEO Dr. Reiner Strobel: “The digital concept also supports the switching of operating modes such as “Orbit Raising” and “Station Keeping”; in addition, we have automated the entire alignment, commissioning and test process to the greatest possible extent in order to clearly support the demand for cost-effectiveness.” With adaptations of the building block design approach, other thruster types can also be operated.

We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to provide further information to interested customers via the inquiry form at www.spica-ppu.com.

ASP presents its new website

By Jens Janke on 11. April 2022in Common, Companies

Above all, ASP presents its new product structure through the new website. The was created to provide customers with power electronics as flight hardware in the shortest possible time.

ASP is the nation’s leading supplier of power electronics for spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Located in the Lake Constance region – the German cradle of the space industry – ASP has united the complete value chain for outstanding power supply solutions under one roof.

Advanced Space Power Equipment GmbH

Point of Contact: Thomas Hintze, Head of Marketing
E-Mail: t.hintze@asp-equipment.de
Telephone: +49 (0) 7553 5909 233

ASP PPU for constellations takes another hurdle

By Jens Janke on 5. November 2021in Common, Companies

ASP Equipment offers a new type of Propulsion Power Unit (ASP Spica-Virtus PPU product line) as a series product of a power supply for electric satellite propulsion systems. The aim is to meet customer requirements for quickly available electronic equipment in large quantities and attractive conditions in the new-space market segment.

The coupling test carried out in October 2021 together with Thales Germany impressively confirmed the success of the previous development activities. The test confirmed that operation at all operating points works well with the PPU, including switching of the output stage in different configurations (low/high voltage). The filter functions work reliably. The test also confirmed that regulation and adjustment of the operating point is possible without any problems.

The ASP Spica-Virtus PPU will soon be qualified for two different engines. This includes coupling tests with a HEMPT thruster as well as coupling tests with a HET thruster. Modifications for other thruster types can be implemented. The design is based on the operation with different thruster types (HEMPT, HET, Gridded Ion, etc.). The power range is between 400W and 1.2kW.

The main features of the PPU are:

GaN as the base material for completely new product features in terms of power density and efficiency
Identical functional blocks (half bridges) and common parts strategy
High efficiency through design optimisation at the best operating point in each case
Consistent optimisation of mass and weight