Precision-engineered carbon fiber composite structures for demanding telescope and observation missions. ESA SME certified. Dimensionally stable in vacuum, low outgassing, and qualified for space applications. Suitable for structures up to 1.5 m³, with larger dimensions achievable through modular composite assemblies.
More than 15 years of experience in the space industry as an ESA SME.
Dimensionally stable structures for high-precision optical systems.
Everything from a single source, from material procurement to bake-out.
As an ESA SME, we have been active in the space sector for many years and possess extensive expertise in the industry’s unique requirements. When it comes to precision telescope structures or optical baseplates with dimensions up to approximately 1.5 m³ (larger length and width dimensions are also possible), we understand exactly what is required for mission success.
From raw material procurement and surface treatments to laminate manufacturing, assembly, precision machining, metrology, material testing, and bake-out, we work together with our trusted partners to deliver complete turnkey solutions from a single source.
In space, micrometer-level precision determines mission success. A telescope structure must maintain optical alignment throughout extreme thermal cycles, vacuum conditions, and the mechanical loads experienced during launch. This is where our material technology excels: carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with near-zero thermal expansion, exceptional specific stiffness, and proven low-outgassing performance qualified for space applications.
Standard build volume (larger dimensions available upon request)
CTE – Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of CFRP
Years of Space Heritage
The key performance characteristics of our telescope structures at a glance, from build volume and material systems to tolerances and turnkey capabilities. Exact specifications are defined on a project-by-project basis during the feasibility study phase.
In Collaboration with Our Partners, We Cover the Entire Value Chain for Telescope Structures
A single point of contact for the customer, reducing risk, project complexity, lead times, and overall costs.
Load-bearing structures, telescope tubes, spider assemblies, optical benches, mirror mounts for primary and secondary mirrors, and complete assemblies including inserts, bonded joints, and qualified joining technologies.
Standard size up to 1.5 m³, with larger geometries available upon request in length and width.
Aerospace-qualified prepregs, low-outgassing resin systems including EX1515 and LY556, M55J, M40J, IM7 and other high-modulus carbon fibers, as well as qualified inserts.
Symmetric quasi-isotropic layups, localized reinforcements, sandwich constructions, and honeycomb core structures. Surface treatments including nickel plating and SurTec 650.
Ultra-precise CNC machining, drilling operations, interface surfaces for optical systems, and manufacturing tolerances in the micrometer range.
Qualified bonding processes using proprietary bonding fixtures, insert bonding, and precision mirror mounting solutions.
3D dimensional inspection, material testing, bake-out cycles, outgassing verification, and space-compliant cleaning processes.
Three materials dominate telescope structure applications in space: Zerodur®, Invar, and CFRP. Each has its ideal application range, but for primary structural components we rely on CFRP because no other material combines stiffness, thermal stability, and low weight as effectively.
Every telescope structure at Connova follows the same clearly defined process, from raw material procurement to the final bake-out before delivery. Every step is fully documented and traceable in accordance with EN 9100 requirements.
Material Procurement
Assembly
Precision Machining
Material Testing
Bake-Out & Delivery
“Telescope structures are a fascinating challenge. They require precision and push the limits of what’s possible to obtain optimal measurement data and images. I’m driven by the pursuit of perfection in complex manufacturing processes and intricate assemblies. When the launch finally takes place years after delivery, I sit in front of the screen with goosebumps, recalling the creation of the relatively small but important components that I, along with my team and our partners, was able to help develop.”
Project Lead Space Structures · Connova Group
More than 5 years of experience in the manufacturing of high-precision CFRP structures for space applications. Responsible for telescope structures and optical baseplates at the Connova Group, from the initial feasibility study through to flight-qualified delivery.
Three current ESA missions in which the Connova Group contributes as a structural partner, ranging from comet exploration and European CO₂ monitoring to planetary defense. Each project presents unique technical challenges and a clearly defined Connova scope of supply.
Launch: 2029
Comet Interceptor is ESA’s first F-Class mission and the first space mission designed to encounter a dynamically new, pristine comet originating from the Oort Cloud. The spacecraft will be stationed at the L2 Lagrange Point and may wait for up to three years for a suitable target before initiating its interception maneuver.
The Connova Group manufactures the optical baseplate for CoCa (Comet Camera), the mission’s primary scientific instrument led by the University of Bern, Space Research and Planetary Sciences. The baseplate supports all optical components of the CoCa camera within a dimensionally stable, low-outgassing CFRP structure. Key requirements include micrometer-level precision of optical mounting surfaces, qualified outgassing performance in accordance with ECSS-Q-ST-70-02, and long-term thermal stability throughout the mission lifetime.
CO2M, officially the Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Mission, is the first of the Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions and forms part of the Sentinel-7 program. Three identical satellites, CO2M-A, CO2M-B, and CO2M-C, are scheduled for launch from 2027 onwards and will provide the first global measurements of carbon dioxide emissions directly attributable to human activity. The mission will serve as the European Union’s primary satellite-based information source for verifying compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Connova AG is the structural partner responsible for the CFRP telescope structure of the CO₂/NO₂ imaging spectrometer supplied by Thales Alenia Space Switzerland. The key requirement is a dimensionally stable support structure for an instrument capable of measuring atmospheric CO₂ concentrations with a precision of 0.7 ppm across a 250 km swath width. At this level of precision, the telescope structure must remain exceptionally stable. Even micrometer-scale thermal drift could compromise the accuracy of climate data.
On 13 April 2029, the asteroid Apophis (approximately 375 meters in diameter) will pass Earth at a distance of only 32,000 km. This is a naturally occurring event expected only once every 5,000 to 10,000 years. ESA’s RAMSES (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) mission will arrive at Apophis approximately two months before the flyby and observe the asteroid throughout the encounter, representing a landmark mission for planetary defense.
Die Connova Group fertigt Teleskopstrukturen für CHANCES, das von der Universität Bern geführte wissenschaftliche Hauptinstrument der Mission. CHANCES analysiert Veränderungen der Asteroidenoberfläche während der Erd-Tidalkräfte. Die Struktur muss eine bemerkenswerte Doppelanforderung erfüllen: Launch-Lasten beim Start im April 2028 sowie hochpräzise optische Stabilität während der Datenerfassung im April 2029. Time pressure: The mission was finalised by the ESA Ministerial Council in November 2025 — this is forcing ESA and the industry to adopt an aggressive development schedule. Connova AG successfully delivered all five structural assemblies in February 2026.
A CFRP telescope structure is the load-bearing frame and tube assembly of a space telescope manufactured from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. It maintains the precise geometric relationship between optical components such as primary mirrors, secondary mirrors, and detectors.
CFRP is selected because it combines extremely high stiffness with very low weight. In addition, its coefficient of thermal expansion can be tailored through laminate layup design to approach zero, which is critical for maintaining optical alignment throughout the thermal cycles experienced in space.
We typically manufacture telescope structures with a build volume of up to approximately 1.5 m³. Larger geometries with extended length or width dimensions and relatively shallow profiles can also be realized upon request.
The most cost-effective size class depends on the selected manufacturing process, autoclave dimensions, and insert complexity. During the feasibility study, we work together with you to determine the optimal configuration for your application.
We work with aerospace-qualified material systems, including:
Low Outgassing refers to the requirement that a material releases only minimal amounts of volatile substances when exposed to vacuum conditions. In space, these substances can contaminate sensitive optical surfaces such as mirrors, lenses, and detectors, potentially compromising scientific mission performance.
We qualify our material systems in accordance with the ESA standard ECSS-Q-ST-70-02. The final bake-out process removes residual solvents and moisture from the structure before integration into the mission hardware.
Both are load-bearing CFRP structures for optical systems. The difference lies in their geometry and function:
We manufacture both types. For details regarding our optical baseplate capabilities, please visit our dedicated Optical Baseplates page.
Send us your technical specification, CAD model, or concept sketch together with the mission context via our contact form or directly to Silvan Ventura, Project Lead Space Structures.
Within a few working days, you will receive initial technical feedback, including a feasibility assessment, material recommendation, and indicative manufacturing approach. Where appropriate, we also offer a complimentary engineering consultation process to refine and optimize the specification together.
Telescope structures represent one of the core segments of our space activities. Related topics can be found in the sections below.
High-precision CFRP baseplates for scientific instruments, featuring flat two-dimensional platforms with micrometer-level tolerances for optical sensing applications. Typical applications include CoCa, sun sensors, and optical benches.
How we manufactured mirror support structures for one of the most ambitious astronomical projects of our time. Detailed case study with insights into the engineering and manufacturing process.
Primary structural components for the landing leg system of the Themis reusable launch vehicle demonstrator (Almatech / ArianeGroup), supporting next-generation reusable rocket technology for the European space industry.
How we implement EN 9100 standards in the space industry, from incoming inspection and qualified manufacturing through final inspection, bake-out, non-destructive testing (NDT), and 3D dimensional verification. Complete traceability throughout the entire production process.