Satellite Transport Containers
We develop reusable transport solutions that protect aerospace components and equipment throughout every stage of the journey. Engineered around the object, handling process and project requirements.
Engineered Around Your Satellite Hardware
Fawic develops custom satellite transport container for the safe transport, storage and handling of satellites, spacecraft components and other sensitive space hardware. Each solution is engineered around the payload, mechanical interfaces, transport environment and required level of protection, from the outer container to the internal support and isolation system.
From shock and vibration protection to MGSE integration, environmental control, handling and transport logistics, Fawic engineers the complete protection system around your space hardware.
Shock & Vibration Protection
Satellite hardware can be highly sensitive to shock and vibration loads during transport and handling. Fawic engineers the internal support and isolation system around the actual payload, taking into account factors such as payload mass, centre of gravity, expected transport loads and allowable response levels.
Where required, the payload can be mechanically isolated from the outer container using shock mounts or wire rope isolators in combination with a dedicated baseframe. The isolation concept is selected to reduce the transfer of shocks and vibrations to the hardware while maintaining sufficient stability during handling and transport.
Depending on the application, the design can also consider parameters such as
quasi-static acceleration, random vibration and natural frequency to ensure that the complete transport system behaves predictably under the specified transport conditions.
Shock & Vibration Protection
Satellite hardware can be highly sensitive to shock and vibration loads during transport and handling. Fawic engineers the internal support and isolation system around the actual payload, taking into account factors such as payload mass, centre of gravity, expected transport loads and allowable response levels.
Where required, the payload can be mechanically isolated from the outer container using shock mounts or wire rope isolators in combination with a dedicated baseframe. The isolation concept is selected to reduce the transfer of shocks and vibrations to the hardware while maintaining sufficient stability during handling and transport.
Depending on the application, the design can also consider parameters such as
quasi-static acceleration, random vibration and natural frequency to ensure that the complete transport system behaves predictably under the specified transport conditions.
Mechanical Interfaces & MGSE Integration
A satellite transport container needs to interface correctly with both the transported hardware and the equipment used for handling, integration and transfer. Fawic engineers the internal support structure around the actual mechanical interfaces, mounting points and equipment envelope of the payload.
Where existing Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) or dedicated fixtures are already part of the project, these can be taken into account in the spacecraft container design. This allows the fixture interface, support frame and transport base to function as one integrated system and can help limit unnecessary transfer or re-handling of sensitive space hardware.
Available interface data, drawings or an Interface Control Document (ICD) can be used as input for the engineering process. Depending on the application, the solution can incorporate dedicated mounting interfaces, removable structures, access provisions and other features required for safe loading, transport and integration.
Environmental Control & Monitoring
Sensitive space hardware may require controlled environmental conditions throughout transport and storage. Fawic can engineer the container around project-specific requirements for temperature, humidity and pressure, with the required provisions integrated into the overall transport system.
Depending on the application, this can include humidity control, pressure equalisation, desiccant solutions or provisions for GN₂ purging. Where environmental conditions need to be actively managed, additional thermal-control or filtration solutions can be integrated based on the project requirements.
For critical transports, environmental monitoring can also be incorporated using data loggers for parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, shock or vibration. This provides greater visibility into the conditions experienced by the hardware throughout transport, handling and storage.
Loading, Access & Payload Orientation
The loading concept of a satellite transport container is developed around the geometry, interfaces and handling requirements of the payload. Fawic can design removable or individually demountable panels to create the required access for installation, inspection and transfer while keeping the main support structure in place.
Depending on the application, the container can be configured for side loading, top loading or open-frame access, with the internal support structure adapted to the required payload orientation. This can include horizontal, vertical or tilted positioning where the transport or integration process requires it.
By engineering the spacecraft container, access provisions and support frame as one system, the payload can remain securely positioned throughout loading and unloading while unnecessary re-handling is reduced. The final configuration is defined around the equipment envelope, mounting interfaces and the sequence in which the hardware needs to be accessed or transferred.
Handling, Lifting & Transport Interfaces
Safe handling is an integral part of every satellite transport container. Fawic engineers the container base and handling interfaces around the complete logistics process, with provisions such as forklift pockets, lifting points, castors and tie-down or lashing points incorporated where required.
The position and capacity of these interfaces are determined in relation to factors such as payload mass, centre of gravity and Working Load Limit (WLL). The internal fixation frame and transport base can be developed as one integrated structure to keep the payload securely supported during movement, lifting and positioning.
Clear handling markings and identification can be added to indicate lifting points, forklift access, orientation and specific handling restrictions, helping operators handle the container consistently and safely throughout transport and storage.
Reusable Design & Lifecycle
Satellite transport containers are typically developed for repeated use throughout a programme rather than for a single shipment. Fawic designs the container structure, panels, interfaces and handling features with the required operational lifetime and transport frequency in mind.
A modular construction can support maintenance, repairability and replaceability of individual components without having to replace the complete container. Wear-sensitive parts such as seals, panels, hardware, castors or isolation elements can be selected and integrated so they remain accessible for inspection and service.
Material selection and surface protection can also be adapted to the expected storage and transport environment, helping to reduce wear and corrosion over time. This allows the reusable transport container to remain serviceable throughout multiple transport, handling and storage cycles.
Mechanical Interfaces & MGSE Integration
A satellite transport container needs to interface correctly with both the transported hardware and the equipment used for handling, integration and transfer. Fawic engineers the internal support structure around the actual mechanical interfaces, mounting points and equipment envelope of the payload.
Where existing Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) or dedicated fixtures are already part of the project, these can be taken into account in the container design. This allows the fixture interface, support frame and transport base to function as one integrated system and can help limit unnecessary transfer or re-handling of sensitive space hardware.
Available interface data, drawings or an Interface Control Document (ICD) can be used as input for the engineering process. Depending on the application, the solution can incorporate dedicated mounting interfaces, removable structures, access provisions and other features required for safe loading, transport and integration.
Environmental Control & Monitoring
Sensitive space hardware may require controlled environmental conditions throughout transport and storage. Fawic can engineer the container around project-specific requirements for temperature, humidity and pressure, with the required provisions integrated into the overall transport system.
Depending on the application, this can include humidity control, pressure equalisation, desiccant solutions or provisions for GN₂ purging. Where environmental conditions need to be actively managed, additional thermal-control or filtration solutions can be integrated based on the project requirements.
For critical transports, environmental monitoring can also be incorporated using data loggers for parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, shock or vibration. This provides greater visibility into the conditions experienced by the hardware throughout transport, handling and storage.
Loading, Access & Payload Orientation
The loading concept of a satellite transport container is developed around the geometry, interfaces and handling requirements of the payload. Fawic can design removable or individually demountable panels to create the required access for installation, inspection and transfer while keeping the main support structure in place.
Depending on the application, the container can be configured for side loading, top loading or open-frame access, with the internal support structure adapted to the required payload orientation. This can include horizontal, vertical or tilted positioning where the transport or integration process requires it.
By engineering the container, access provisions and support frame as one system, the payload can remain securely positioned throughout loading and unloading while unnecessary re-handling is reduced. The final configuration is defined around the equipment envelope, mounting interfaces and the sequence in which the hardware needs to be accessed or transferred.
Handling, Lifting & Transport Interfaces
Safe handling is an integral part of every satellite transport container. Fawic engineers the container base and handling interfaces around the complete logistics process, with provisions such as forklift pockets, lifting points, castors and tie-down or lashing points incorporated where required.
The position and capacity of these interfaces are determined in relation to factors such as payload mass, centre of gravity and Working Load Limit (WLL). The internal fixation frame and transport base can be developed as one integrated structure to keep the payload securely supported during movement, lifting and positioning.
Clear handling markings and identification can be added to indicate lifting points, forklift access, orientation and specific handling restrictions, helping operators handle the container consistently and safely throughout transport and storage.
Reusable Design & Lifecycle
Satellite transport containers are typically developed for repeated use throughout a programme rather than for a single shipment. Fawic designs the container structure, panels, interfaces and handling features with the required operational lifetime and transport frequency in mind.
A modular construction can support maintenance, repairability and replaceability of individual components without having to replace the complete container. Wear-sensitive parts such as seals, panels, hardware, castors or isolation elements can be selected and integrated so they remain accessible for inspection and service.
Material selection and surface protection can also be adapted to the expected storage and transport environment, helping to reduce wear and corrosion over time. This allows the reusable transport container to remain serviceable throughout multiple transport, handling and storage cycles.
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Tailored to the Satellite Sector
Our spacecraft containers are crafted with an acute understanding of the satellite industry’s unique demands. Each box is a testament to precision engineering, ready to meet the stringent requirements of satellite technology transport.
Innovative Protection for Sensitive Instruments
Satellites are equipped with intricate instruments that require the utmost care during transportation. Fawic’s transport boxes, with custom-designed buffers and frames, ensure these delicate components are shielded against the rigors of transit.
Modularity Meets Versatility
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of satellite technology, Fawic offers modular transport boxes. This design philosophy ensures a perfect fit for a range of satellite sizes and types, providing a future-proof solution as your satellite dimensions evolve.
Why Choose Fawic for Your Satellite Transport Needs?
Lightweight Efficiency:
Our use of high-grade, lightweight materials reduces shipping costs without compromising protection, reflecting both economic and environmental considerations.
Customization at Its Core
Fawic’s in-house R&D department collaborates closely with clients to deliver transport boxes that are as innovative as the satellites they secure.
Dutch Craftsmanship:
Embedded in the European tradition of quality and precision, Fawic’s transport solutions represent the pinnacle of continental engineering excellence.
