Successful TVAC Testing of HOTDOCK for Refueling Applications

Space Applications Services, ArianeGroup (AGG), and GMV have successfully completed Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing of the SCHUMANN HOTDOCK as part of the RTa system, validating their use in robotic refueling operations under space-representative conditions.

Conducted in a controlled environment, the test demonstrated reliable performance, mating/demating of HOTDOCK and high-pressure gaz transfer up to 200 bars, under vacuum and across a wide thermal range, including both hot 🔥 and cold ❄️ conditions.

This milestone reinforces the SCHUMANN Consortium’s commitment to advancing robotic refueling technologies for the next generation of space infrastructure.

First Round of RESONANCE Beta Testing Successfully Completed

The first round of external Beta testing for the SCHUMANN DSSCK/RESONANCE software tool has been successfully completed. Three space-focused companies evaluated the platform and provided valuable feedback.

The initial conclusions highlight RESONANCE’s strong conceptual foundation and its clear potential to support the configuration and integration of Functional Satellite Modules (FSMs) within modular space ecosystems.

These insights will directly contribute to the continued refinement and future exploitation of the tool by the SCHUMANN Consortium and the broader European space community.

RESONANCE is designed to streamline the design process for satellite modules—enabling early-stage specification compliance, component selection, and interface compatibility analysis.

🚀 Interested in joining the next phase of testing or learning more?

📩 Contact us at: schumann@spaceapplications.com

Be part of the journey to shape the future of autonomous and modular space operations.

Successful Functional Testing of SCHUMANN RTa Module at ArianeGroup

Following three days of final integration and testing at ArianeGroup’s site in Lampoldshausen, we are pleased to announce the successful functional testing of the SCHUMANN RTa module.

The system—based on space-proven components such as HOTDOCK and the ESROCOS software framework—demonstrated its capability to transfer high-pressure gas up to 200 bar, a key requirement for future electric propulsion refueling applications.

The test campaign also included data and power transfer through the HOTDOCK interface, telemetry validation and component control via ESROCOS on a flight-ready On-Board Controller.

These results confirm the robustness of the Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) design and pave the way for the upcoming environmental testing phase of the SCHUMANN system.

SCHUMANN RESONANCE Tool presented at i-SAIRAS

We are pleased to announce that the RESONANCE software tool, developed within the SCHUMANN project, was presented by our partners at FZI Research Center for Information Technology during the i-SAIRAS 2024 conference.

RESONANCE, a beta-stage tool built on the SCHUMANN Design and Development Specifications for a Satellite Construction Kit (DSSCK), is designed to revolutionize how Functional Satellite Modules (FSMs) are created, tested, and verified. The platform allows FSM developers to:

• Define and apply compliance specifications
• Select and compare verified space-grade components
• Virtually connect and test component interfaces
• Receive detailed compatibility and compliance reports

By lowering the entry barrier to space module development, RESONANCE empowers newcomers and established actors alike to accelerate innovation in the NewSpace era.

With support for real-time validation and a growing ontology-based component library, RESONANCE is set to become a cornerstone in the future of modular space design.

GMV Deploys SCHUMANN EQM Software Solution on Flight-Ready OBC

GMV has successfully deployed the software solution for SCHUMANN EQM testing on a flight-ready On-Board Computer (OBC). The software, based on ESROCOS tools, automates test sequence operations, including: Valve control for refueling sequences Pressure sensor monitoring for real-time data analysis

ESROCOS is an open-source framework designed for safe, reliable, and efficient space applications. It integrates tools like TASTE and AIR, which support real-time embedded systems and streamline mission-critical software integration.

This development enhances SCHUMANN’s compatibility with EROSS IOD, marking a key step towards FSM late integration in an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission.

🚀 A milestone for the future of autonomous space refueling and servicing.

SCHUMANN DSSCK/RESONANCE Software Beta Released

We are excited to announce that the SCHUMANN DSSCK/RESONANCE software tool has been officially released in Beta by our partners FZI and ReOrbit.

Following a successful internal testing phase within the SCHUMANN Consortium, we have now opened access to external partners and commercial space entities. RESONANCE is designed to support functional satellite module design and integration, as part of space modular ecosystems.

Interested in testing this cutting-edge software? It’s not too late to join the Beta program!

👉 Contact us at: schumann@spaceapplications.com

Join us in shaping the future of autonomous space operations.

HOTDOCK Successfully Passes Thermal Testing

Space Applications Services has successfully completed thermal testing of the HOTDOCK device in its SCHUMANN refuel configuration. The test was performed in standalone mode within our in-house Thermal Chamber.

Throughout the entire operational thermal range — from -40°C to +70°C — HOTDOCK’s electro-mechanical systems remained fully functional, confirming its robust performance under extreme temperature conditions representative of space environments.

HOTDOCK is now ready for delivery to ArianeGroup for integrated functional Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing with refueling operations, a major step toward enabling future robotic refueling missions.

HOTDOCK Refuel Configuration Ready for Testing — A Major Milestone Achieved

Space Applications Services is proud to announce the successful integration of the HOTDOCK device in its SCHUMANN refuel configuration. This marks a significant milestone as the first integrated unit featuring the updated flight design.

The system is now ready to begin internal functional and performance testing. Once validated, HOTDOCK will be delivered to ArianeGroup for integration into the RTa refuel tank module. This will be followed by comprehensive functional and environmental testing as part of the refueling demonstration mission.

This achievement highlights Space Applications Services’ continued leadership in robotic refueling technologies for future in-space servicing missions.

HaDEA Publication

HaDEA has published “An overview of EU-funded R&I projects supporting the development of ISOS capabilities”, including the SCHUMANN project. The publication also presents a selection of other projects under the Horizon Europe Programme

Follow this link.

SCHUMANN at IAC Milan

SCHUMANN has been actively presented during the Annual IAC 2024 Conference. ReOrbit delivered an oral presentation on WP2’s RESONANCE tool, while SpaceApps presented the SCHUMANN project during an interactive session, as well as the next-generation HOTDOCK interface in an oral presentation. These activities provided significant visibility for the project. We are encouraging you to reads our articles in the conference proceedings or contact us for any further information.