Astrionics

ASTRIONICS GmbH is a German company in Gilching that supplies and tests electronic parts for space projects. It focuses on New Space, a term for lower-cost commercial space missions. The company offers commercial electronic parts, with automotive grade AEC-Q parts preferred, that it has tested for use in space.

The firm says it holds a large database of tested and qualified commercial electronics. Some parts are available quickly from a catalogue and come with detailed traceability information. The company calls this concept SpaceCOTS, which means commercial off-the-shelf parts that have been upgraded for space.

Testing is the second main service. ASTRIONICS tests electronic parts and systems from different makers and quality levels. It develops radiation tests to fit a project, either custom or to standard MIL and ESCC methods. It guides customers through each stage of qualification. With partners and certified facilities, it also covers thermal-vacuum, mechanical and material tests.

The company is the official worldwide representative of UNITES Systems a.s. in semiconductor testing for space and radiation-hardened electronics. UNITES Systems also supports the ASTRIONICS research and development team as it builds electronic test setups for aerospace.

ASTRIONICS gives technical help in analysis, design, parts selection, test setups and evaluation. It also advises on the newer space standards. Its aim is to help customers qualify a device for space quickly and at low cost, from design to system integration.

The company was formed in 2013 as Spectrum ARC GmbH. It is a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, through the ESA Business Incubation Centre at Oberpfaffenhofen. In 2015 it won funding from the EU Horizon 2020 SME Instrument, and it introduced the SpaceCOTS trademark. It took the ASTRIONICS name in mid-2017.

The team comes from research bodies such as the Max Planck Institute, DLR and TU Berlin. It also includes people from industry, including Airbus and MTU Aero Engines. The website has a contact form for questions and requests.