• Satellite primary structures (central tubes, load-carrying cores)
• Mechanical support for payloads, instruments, and avionic units
• Accommodation of propulsion tanks, harness routing, and subsystem mounts
• Launch load transfer between spacecraft and launch vehicle adapter
• Lightweight high-stiffness structures for Earth-observation, telecom, navigation, and scientific missions

Platforms requiring low CTE, high mechanical stability, and precise alignment

Lightweight and High-Strength Composite Architecture - INVENT central structures are realised as monolithic or sandwich CFRP designs, offering a superior stiffness-to-weight ratio and excellent structural stability. Sandwich solutions allow highly efficient mass distribution while providing robust thermal and mechanical performance.

Large Dimensions and High Geometric Precision - central structures are manufactured in sizes up to Ø 2 m × 4 m, with typical tolerances of ±0.3 mm for positional accuracy and flatness of 0.1 mm per 1000 mm. This enables precise integration of payload equipment and consistent load paths.

Advanced Interface and Insert Solutions - a wide selection of interface options is available, including:

• aluminium, titanium, steel, or CFRP block inserts
• edge inserts, floating surface inserts, and spool inserts
• threaded inserts (M3–M10), through holes, and blind rivet nuts

These can be integrated in both monolithic and sandwich regions, supporting complex subsystem accommodation.

Functional Integration - central structures can incorporate mechanical, thermal, and electrical functions, such as:

• grounding networks (studs, rails, inserts)
• heaters and temperature sensors
• vibration and structural health monitoring sensors
• thermo-optical coatings, including black paint and Kapton finishing

This allows a high degree of functional consolidation, reducing system-level complexity.

Qualification and Verification
Manufacturing follows DIN EN 9100 and NADCAP-certified processes, with verification options including:

• dimensional inspection
• NDI (ultrasonic, thermography)
• mechanical testing
• electrical checks

Thermal capability typically covers –60 °C to +80 °C at central structure level.

INVENT central structures can be customised in numerous ways to meet mission-specific requirements:

Structural Customisation:

• Geometry adaptations (length, diameter, wall thickness)
• Selection of monolithic or sandwich CFRP construction
• Custom insert types, materials (Al, Ti, CFRP), and locations
• Integrated rails, brackets, sensor mounts, and harness interfaces

Material and Layup Customisation:

• Choice of CFRP fibres (HTA, IM-grade, HM-grade) and resin systems
• Special laminate designs for stiffness, thermal performance, or CTE control

Functional Customisation:

• Add-on features such as heaters, grounding points, and thermal sensors
• Surface finishes (black paint, Kapton, protective coatings)
• Cut-outs, access openings, feed-throughs
  
  

PLATO
CO2M
ROSE-L
MetOp-SG