BERLIN — Germany-based Exploration Company has adopted software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to streamline development of its reusable spacecraft. The platform combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and simulation technology in a single digital environment.
The European aerospace startup said the software will improve collaboration between engineering teams and advance the development of spacecraft and propulsion systems as the company expands its reusable space transportation program.
Founded in 2021, The Exploration Company develops the Nyx family of reusable spacecraft and rocket propulsion systems designed to transport cargo and ultimately crew to destinations in Earth orbit and beyond. The company builds carrier-independent spacecraft that can operate on multiple launch vehicles, giving operators greater flexibility in choosing launch vehicles.
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A connected technical environment supports the development of spacecraft
The Exploration Company uses Siemens Designcenter software for mechanical engineering, Simcenter software for simulations, Capital software for electrical system design, and Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management.
Together, the software creates a common development environment that connects design, electrical and simulation work while maintaining a single source of product data. Engineers can make changes in a discipline and automatically update associated models. This minimizes rework and improves configuration management when developing spacecraft designs.
The digital twin supports early validation
The integrated toolchain also enables the development of a digital twin, giving engineers the ability to evaluate spacecraft performance before building hardware. By combining design models with engineering simulations, the digital twin predicts how systems will interact under expected operating conditions. Engineers can then identify integration issues earlier, reducing late-stage design changes and lowering development risk.
The approach also creates the traceability necessary to support certification activities common in aerospace programs.
Simulation helps manage complex spacecraft systems
Modern spacecraft integrate mechanical structures, electrical architectures, thermal management, and other interconnected subsystems. Because changes in one area can impact another, engineers are increasingly relying on simulations to verify system performance before manufacturing begins.
According to The Exploration Company, this approach improves mission assurance while allowing engineering teams to resolve issues earlier in development.
The development supports reusable spacecraft
The software will support further development of the company’s reusable Nyx family of spacecraft. Nyx is designed to transport cargo to destinations in Earth orbit before returning for reuse. The company ultimately plans to expand the platform to transport crew members while continuing to develop reusable propulsion systems.
The Exploration Company said its engineering approach helped the Bikini mission, an orbital demonstration capsule, go from initial concept to flight hardware in nine months. The company expects the software environment will support this pace as future spacecraft become larger and more complex.
“Our mission is to make space more accessible through reusable technology,” said Daniel Prudente Martins, lead EWIS and electrical interface engineer for Nyx Avionics at The Exploration Company. “Working with Siemens and adopting its industrial software helps us connect our design processes, reduce rework, accelerate development and streamline manufacturing while scaling our operations.”
Siemens said the collaboration shows how digital engineering tools can help aerospace manufacturers accelerate spacecraft development while supporting mature programs.
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/commercial-aerospace/news/55392896/the-exploration-company-adopts-siemens-xcelerator-software-to-accelerate-reusable-spacecraft-development
