Posted to News on 9th Feb 2026, 15:00
Precision drive systems for space environments
maxon is presenting its expertise on precision drive systems for space applications at Space-Comm Expo Europe 2026, Stand B20, Excel London, 4-5 March. At the show, maxon will welcome space engineers to discuss drive system development with its SpaceLab group, dedicated to commercial 'new space' applications as well as space science and exploration missions.
maxon's precision drive systems, based on compact DC and brushless DC motors combined with gears and controls, have been used across space programmes for over 25 years including every NASA Mars rover mission to date.
The maxon SpaceLab research and development team designs and tests precision drive systems for the extreme environments of space, including cryogenic and ultra-high temperatures, vacuum, radiation, and high mechanical shock and vibration. At Space-Comm Expo Europe, maxon is encouraging visiting engineers to present their drive system challenges to the SpaceLab team who will provide design solution recommendations.
Developing customised drive systems for space applications, maxon can provide small production volumes such as one-shot, micro, and small series projects, as well as full-scale manufacture.
On maxon's Stand, B20, space engineers can meet Andrew Gibson, maxon UK and Ireland's Head of Space Applications, and Stefan Dillier, the business and project development lead from maxon's SpaceLab.
The engineering team will advise on the design and specification of drive systems for space applications such as rocket engine valve drives, solar array drive and deployment systems, docking and separation actuators, and mission-specific mechanisms for research spacecraft and robotic probes.
maxon has a distinguished heritage in space exploration, having supplied technology to the International Space Station (ISS), the European Space Agency's (ESA) Solar Orbiter, and every NASA Mars mission. This includes the history-making Ingenuity Mars helicopter, as well as the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, which continue to operate on the Red Planet.
"It's an exciting time for the space sector, including a variety of projects emerging from the UK, and in many cases, drive system technology is integral to their success," says Andrew Gibson. "maxon's SpaceLab is currently supporting commercial projects spanning a variety of applications, right through to NASA missions. At Space-Comm Expo Europe, we're keen to learn about new space projects and share our experience in precision drive system design and development."
