SPACE STRUCTURES GMBH

Their core work

Space Structures is a Berlin-based SME specializing in lightweight composite structures for space applications, using Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) technology to produce ultra-lightweight structural components. Their core business spans from advanced composite manufacturing for satellite and launcher hardware to CubeSat mission design with integrated propulsion systems. More recently, they have expanded into digital twin adoption for manufacturing, signaling a move toward Industry 4.0 integration within their production processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

From 2014 to 2018, Space Structures focused exclusively on advancing their Tailored Fibre Placement technology — first proving feasibility (SME Phase 1) and then qualifying it for industrial use (SME Phase 2), a classic deep-tech maturation path. From 2019 onward, they broadened in two directions: upstream into complete CubeSat mission design (SpaceEye) and laterally into digital manufacturing through the Change2Twin project. This suggests a company transitioning from a pure materials/structures specialist toward a more integrated space systems and smart manufacturing player.

Moving from component-level composite expertise toward full satellite systems and digitalized production, positioning themselves at the intersection of space hardware and Industry 4.0.

How they like to work

Space Structures strongly prefers to lead — they coordinated 3 of their 4 projects, including both SME Instrument phases and the MSCA fellowship. Their single participation as partner (Change2Twin) was a large Innovation Action, suggesting they join bigger consortia selectively when the topic complements their core work. With 23 unique partners across 9 countries from just 4 projects, they build broad networks rather than relying on repeat partnerships.

Despite being a small company, they have collaborated with 23 distinct partners across 9 countries, largely through the Change2Twin consortium. Their network spans multiple European countries, reflecting the international nature of both the space and digital manufacturing sectors.

What sets them apart

Space Structures combines deep expertise in advanced composite manufacturing (specifically TFP technology) with growing capabilities in small satellite systems — a rare combination for a Berlin SME. Their successful progression through SME Instrument Phase 1 and Phase 2 demonstrates both technical credibility and commercial viability. For consortium builders, they offer hands-on space hardware manufacturing experience paired with an emerging understanding of digital twin integration in production environments.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SPS_TFP_SQ
  Largest funded project (EUR 547K) representing their SME Instrument Phase 2 success — qualifying their core TFP composite technology for industrial space applications.
• SpaceEye
  Marks their strategic expansion from structural components to complete CubeSat mission concepts with propulsion, funded through an MSCA Individual Fellowship.
• Change2Twin
  Their only project as participant in a large consortium, signaling deliberate diversification into digital twin and Industry 4.0 manufacturing topics.