OHB SWEDEN AB

Their core work

OHB Sweden AB is part of the OHB group, one of Europe's leading space companies, with operations based in Kista, Sweden. They specialize in satellite systems and in-space electric propulsion technologies, including vacuum arc thrusters and Hall effect propulsion systems. Their H2020 work focuses on developing and qualifying propulsion hardware — from plasma generators to power supply and control units — for small satellite constellations. They also contribute to safety assurance frameworks for cyber-physical systems used in space and other critical domains.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

OHB Sweden's early H2020 involvement (2016) split between cyber-physical system certification (AMASS) and initial engagement with electric propulsion as a third party in CHEOPS. By 2020, they moved decisively into hands-on propulsion hardware development with the PJP project, taking on a direct participant role designing and qualifying vacuum arc thruster components. The trajectory shows a clear shift from peripheral involvement toward core propulsion engineering ownership.

OHB Sweden is building deeper in-house capability in compact electric propulsion systems for small satellite constellations — a fast-growing market segment.

How they like to work

OHB Sweden operates exclusively as a partner or third party, never leading consortia in H2020. With 51 unique partners across 11 countries from just 3 projects, they participate in large, multi-national consortia typical of space and electronics programs. Their role suggests they contribute specialized satellite and propulsion expertise to broader initiatives rather than assembling teams themselves.

Despite only 3 projects, OHB Sweden has collaborated with 51 partners across 11 countries, reflecting participation in large European space and electronics consortia. Their network spans a significant portion of the EU space industry ecosystem.

What sets them apart

OHB Sweden brings the engineering resources of a major European space group (OHB) combined with focused expertise in compact electric propulsion — specifically vacuum arc thrusters using metallic propellants, a less common but promising technology. For consortium builders, they offer a rare combination: a large company's reliability and infrastructure with specialist knowledge in an emerging propulsion niche for small satellites. Their progression from third-party contributor to active hardware developer signals growing commitment and capability in this space.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PJP
  Their largest funded project (EUR 202,688), developing vacuum arc thruster hardware through full electrical and qualification model stages for satellite constellations.
• CHEOPS
  Part of the consortium developing Hall effect orbital propulsion systems, one of Europe's flagship electric propulsion programs for space competitiveness.