March 2026 – From Cleanroom Integration to the Next Testing Phase
Over the past months, our team has been actively involved in the integration of all payloads into the LuxSpace platform. This integration campaign took place in the OHB cleanroom facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen and marked a key step toward full system readiness.
Following the successful integration of all payloads, health checks were carried out to ensure that each payload unit remained fully functional and capable of communicating with the platform as expected. In parallel, LuxSpace (LXS) conducted the first batch of Integrated System Tests (IST1), aiming to verify the overall satellite functionality ahead of the upcoming environmental test campaign.
Last week, the satellite was covered with Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), completing its configuration and preparing it for the next phase. It is now ready to undergo environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum and vibration (shaker) tests.
The spacecraft is currently being packed for shipment to testing facilities near Munich, where environmental testing is scheduled to begin next week. Our UniBw team will closely monitor these tests alongside LXS to ensure that all payloads withstand the expected mechanical loads and thermal conditions in their fully integrated configuration.
Learn more about the mission on the dedicated Athene 1 mission page.