CORE BUSINESS
GRADEL is an engineering company and technology integrator specialized in the development of tailor-made special purpose machines for demanding applications in space and other high-tech sectors. Beyond its proven heritage in Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), GRADEL delivers end-to-end systems designed from customer specifications, integrating advanced engineering, automation, and cleanroom-compatible materials. These machines address critical functions such as handling, assembly, testing, and transport of spacecraft components, always meeting strict constraints of cleanliness, magnetic neutrality, and thermal stability. Our agile structure and strong engineering base enable us to respond quickly and efficiently to new industrial challenges, transforming ideas into robust and qualified systems.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
SPECIAL PURPOSE MACHINES & MGSE:
Design and manufacturing of custom-engineered machines and mechanical systems developed from customer specifications. This includes a complete range of high-end Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) for satellite and payload integration — from transport containers, multi-functional trolleys (manual or AGV-based), integration stands, hoisting and lifting devices, to equipment for Antenna Test Ranges and Thermal Vacuum Chambers. All systems are designed to operate under demanding space-grade standards and can be fully automated or semi-automated based on use case.
LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES:
Advanced Lightweight Solutions with GRAM Technology:
Development and manufacturing of complex lightweight structures using our patented GRAM (Gradel Robotic Additive Manufacturing) process — a continuous filament wet-winding system optimized for strength, stiffness, and thermal resistance. This technology enables the creation of structural components with up to 70% weight reduction, suitable for both space and defense applications. Designs are simulation-driven, leveraging AI-based optimization algorithms to create bionic geometries and integrated functions. Our lightweight parts are qualified for space use (TRL6) and produced in a dedicated facility with robotic lines, curing ovens, and ISO 8 cleanroom capabilities.
TECHNICAL MEANS
Engineering office for:
- MGSE and special purpose equipment
- GRAM ultra-lightweight structures
- with more than 60 engineers in total in multiple disciplines using the following Software:
SOLIDWORKS, FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, SIMULINK,
SEE ELECTRICAL, BECKHOFF, SIEMENS;
GRAM-AI specific
software for Lightweight (engineering& manufacturing)
2 Assembly and test workshops
- 1200 m² x 10 m height, crane capability: 2 times 10 t
- Production facility for composite lightweight structures 650 m²:
- 5x robot equipped with GRAM applicator on a 10m long x-axis
- curing oven of 1 and 12 m3
- Grey room
MAIN CUSTOMERS
Airbus Defense & Space, Ariane Group, ESA, OHB Systems, Thales Alenia Space, SAFRAN AEROBOOSTER.
MAJOR SPACE PROJECTS
Gradel has or is participating with its space products for different customers in the following programs:
- Transport Container for ONESAT AIRBUS
- Compact Antenna Test Range OHB
- SMART Multipurpose Trolley TAS
- Portable Antenna Measurement ESA
- Communication
- Alphabus, EDRS, Electra, Eurostar Neo, Neosat, SGEO, SES17, Heinrich Hertz, Space Inspire, OneSat
The qualification process of GRAM has been realised between 2020 and 2024 in collaboration with ESA, Airbus, Thales Alenia Space and OHB Systems.
For each LSI had been developed and fully tested (-150°C / +180°C, mechanical, vibration, TVAC and fatigue test included multiple use-case projects are under development for Space and Defense applications.
