Ibadan, 6 May 2026. – SWISSto12 has announced a major contract with German high-performance space subsystem providers HPS/LSS to enable the world’s first direct-to-device media broadcasting capabilities from geostationary orbit. The Munich-based consortium will provide a large deployable reflector subsystem (LDRS) for the upcoming NEASTAR-1 mission, built on SWISSto12’s HummingSat.
The German-led antenna reflector subsystem is the result of more than 15 years of development under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications (ARTES) program, ESA’s Earth Observation Technology Development activities, and the EU’s Horizon 2020 program.
The company is consequently positioning its small geostationary satellite and advanced multi-orbit payload technologies as a strong technical and strategic fit with the German Federal Government’s Space Strategy, in particular, with its priorities around secure communications.
Furthermore, since HummingSat’s inception program, SWISSto12 has developed a large industrial footprint in Germany, with this contract further strengthening German partnership and contribution to the satellite platform. The HPS/LSS consortium therefore joins a growing network of German supply chain partners, which includes ASP, AST, DLR, Tesat, Thales Germany, Jena Optronik, and Rockwell Collins Germany.
“Collaboration with HPS/LSS was fast and effective from the first day. We value their culture of precision engineering, deep-tech innovation, and commitment to excellence along with a drive for fast and efficient execution, noted Emile de Rijk, CEO and Founder, SWISSto12.
“They have demonstrated a strong technical heritage and proven track record in building LDRS, notably for ESA missions, underscoring the progress of ESA and DLR’s vision to develop resilient, sovereign space capabilities.”
The Large Deployable Reflector Subsystem (LDRS) for NeaStar-1 will be a 5-meter diameter antenna reflector (working in L-band) including deployment arm and several reflector/arm-associated subassemblies. HPS/LSS are currently also developing, amongst others, an 8-meter LDRS for ESA/EU’s Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer Mission for frequency bands up to Ka-band.
“LSS, together with HPS, is proud to pioneer LDRS technology in Europe for applications in communications, reconnaissance, and observation. Thanks to the trust of commercial customers, the German Space Agency, and ESA, we are now delivering this strategic European product to global programs,” added Leri Datashvili, Co‑CEO & Founder, LSS GmbH.
