Space Cargo Unlimited and ZF are jointly developing an active vibration damping system designed to protect sensitive materials, products and scientific experiments during space missions. The technology aims to reduce the impact of severe vibrations experienced by spacecraft and their payloads during launch, flight and atmospheric re-entry.
Rocket launches expose spacecraft and their cargo to intense mechanical vibrations. When these vibrations match the natural frequencies of sensitive components, they can create dangerous oscillations that may damage equipment, spacecraft structures and valuable research materials. Protecting payloads from these forces is particularly important for commercial research and manufacturing activities in microgravity.
The joint development will focus on an active mounting system that can detect critical vibrations and reduce their impact, particularly around frequencies that could cause damaging resonance. The solution is intended to help preserve the condition of sensitive cargo throughout its journey to space and back to Earth.
The partnership combines Space Cargo Unlimited’s experience in space operations and microgravity research platforms with ZF’s expertise in vibration management, chassis systems, electronics and control technologies. ZF will contribute its automotive engineering knowledge, development processes and rapid prototyping capabilities to adapt existing technologies for the demanding conditions of space.
Commenting on the collaboration, Torsten Gollewski, Head of Corporate Research and Development at ZF, said, “We bring automotive expertise into space. Entering the space sector is a logical next step for us to further develop ZF technologies in new, highly demanding environments.”
Nicolas Gaume, CEO of Space Cargo Unlimited, said, “As we expand the range of materials and processes we can support in microgravity, protecting sensitive payloads throughout launch, flight and re-entry is critical. Our partnership with ZF combines Space Cargo Unlimited’s understanding of space operations and payload needs with ZF’s vibration management expertise. Together, we are co-engineering a solution to help protect sensitive payloads and support more reliable commercial research and manufacturing in space.”
The technology is expected to support several areas of scientific and industrial research. These include pharmaceutical research involving protein crystals grown in microgravity, biological studies of crop samples and the development of advanced materials. Such samples must return to Earth in good condition so researchers can examine their properties and use the findings for further development.
Specialty optical fibre production is another potential application. Microgravity conditions can help produce highly uniform optical fibres that are difficult to manufacture on Earth. However, these materials are delicate and require protection during launch and re-entry to preserve their properties. The project also supports Space Cargo Unlimited’s wider commercial microgravity programme. Its BentoBox platform provides an autonomous environment for conducting experiments and production activities in space, supported by mission services.
For ZF, the partnership offers an opportunity to extend its engineering capabilities into the space industry. The company plans to build on its expertise in system design, vibration management, electronics, actuation, control systems and validation. Experience gained from space applications could also support the development of advanced technologies for mobility and other industrial sectors. Both companies aim to develop a reliable vibration protection solution that will help expand commercial research and manufacturing opportunities in space.
