Wrocław-based Scanway, one of the key players in the European New Space sector, has just taken a significant step towards transforming from a boutique design office into a serial supplier. The signed framework agreement with the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (ILOT) for comprehensive environmental testing of optical instruments is a signal that the Polish space sector is maturing to industrial scale.
For Scanway, access to a certified test infrastructure in the country is a critical element of its scaling strategy. Up until now, the testing processes – necessary for flight heritage – have often involved logistical and financial challenges due to the need to use foreign centres. The partnership with the Warsaw Aerospace Institute allows the full certification path, from structural-thermal models to final flight models, to be realised within a single ecosystem.
The collaboration focuses on the two most demanding stages of equipment verification: vibration tests, which simulate the overloads during rocket launches, and thermal-vacuum chamber (TVAC) tests. The latter are crucial for the Scanway Optical Payload (SOP) family of telescopes, which must maintain optical precision under extreme orbital conditions, where temperature amplitudes and lack of atmospheric pressure can permanently damage unprepared instruments.
From a business perspective, the move strengthens Scanway’s position in negotiations with global microsatellite integrators. Ensuring repeatability and compliance with ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardisation) standards with the support of ILOT’s accredited laboratory minimises design risk. For Łukasiewicz – ILOT, in turn, confirms its status as a key technology hub that monetises its unique research infrastructure, supporting the local supply chain.
The trend is clear: Polish companies are beginning to supply complete, mission-critical systems for observation missions. Stable access to test facilities is the missing piece of the puzzle to realistically think about series production of optical instruments for the global New Space market.
