Ground Systems

The Ground Systems Department develops and operates the technical infrastructure that allows ASTRA’s rockets to be safely tested, fuelled, and launched. While other departments focus on systems that fly onboard the vehicle, Ground Systems is responsible for the equipment and systems that remain on the ground.

Launch & Fuelling Systems
Before launch, the rocket has to be filled with oxidizer remotely and from a safe distance. Ground Systems develops the filling station, including its fluid systems, valves, sensors, electronics, and supporting infrastructure.

Ground Station & Control Systems
During launch preparation, data from the filling system and launch infrastructure is transmitted to Mission Control. From there, operators monitor the system and remotely control valves and other equipment through hardware and software developed by the team. Ground Systems covers operations up to and including ignition, while in-flight telemetry is handled by Avionics.

Testing & Technical Infrastructure
The department also supports propulsion hot-fire campaigns, where many of the same fluid, sensing, and control systems are required. Beyond testing and launches, Ground Systems develops larger infrastructure such as ASTRA’s approximately six-metre-long fibre-winding machine for manufacturing long composite structures in-house.

What Does the Work Look Like?
Work in Ground Systems is highly interdisciplinary and can include mechanical design, fluid systems, electronics, sensors, automation, software, manufacturing, testing, and launch operations. The team therefore works closely with Propulsion, Avionics, Structures, and other technical departments.