Case Study: Tesat-Spacecom achieves 55% lighter satellite component with Hexagon’s MSC Apex Generative Design

Creating bionic structures for maximising payload of space equipment by means of generative design

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH, a German satellite specialist, faced the challenge of minimizing the weight of a structural component for the Heinrich Hertz satellite to maximize its payload, a critical factor in space travel where launch costs are enormous. They turned to Hexagon and used its product, MSC Apex Generative Design, to achieve extreme lightweight construction under severe time pressure.

Hexagon’s solution used innovative algorithms to automate and significantly simplify the optimization process. The result was a 55% reduction in the component's weight, a 31% reduction in stress, and a 79% increase in stiffness, all achieved within a few days. This allowed Tesat-Spacecom to better exploit the satellite's available payload capacity.

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH