Welcome to the Ångström Space Technology Centre (ÅSTC)! Ever since its inauguration fifteen years ago, the centre has been devoted to the massive implementation of microsystems in space applications with the mission to increase performance and cut cost of space exploration and exploitation. Much of the research is oriented towards the understanding of how heavily miniaturised components with a variety of duties can be integrated together and into conventionally engineered systems, and how the harsh space environment affects their performance and durability.

Most microsystems are based on silicon, and are developed, manufactured and evaluated in house, and are seldom larger than a few centimetres in size. The details, however, are often far smaller. An example is the above rocket engine with a nozzle channel tight enough to squeeze a human hair.

The centre has participated in a number of large-scale national, European and global projects covering a wide range of technical and scientific issues. A selection of these projects is described briefly in the Completed projects section, whereas ongoing projects are covered in the Current projects section.

Unlike the previous research programme which orbited around a microsystems-based nanosatellite, today's projects are more focused and research oriented. In addition, other harsh environments than space, e.g., deep seas, combustion engines, and hot and corrosive processing environments, are now served.

Assoc. Prof. Greger Thornell 
(director of ÅSTC)