Beyond Gravity: Pioneering the Future of Space Exploration and Innovation
In the rapidly evolving world of aerospace and technology, Beyond Gravity has emerged as a driving force in redefining how humanity explores the universe. Headquartered at Zurich Airport, Switzerland, this trailblazing organisation has become synonymous with innovation, precision, and progress in the global space industry. Formerly known as RUAG Space, Beyond Gravity represents the fusion of a startup’s agility and a legacy of over 50 years of proven excellence in satellite and launcher technologies. With operations across six countries and a workforce of approximately 1,800 skilled professionals, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible—truly living up to its name.
From RUAG Space to Beyond Gravity: A Legacy Redefined
The transformation from RUAG Space to Beyond Gravity in 2022 marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey. This rebranding was not merely a change of name but a bold statement of intent—signalling a new era of agility, innovation, and international growth.
Beyond Gravity inherited decades of engineering brilliance, having absorbed Saab Space (Sweden), Austrian Aerospace (Austria), and Oerlikon Space AG (Switzerland) in 2009. These mergers strengthened its European foundation and positioned the firm as a trusted partner for space agencies and commercial entities worldwide.
Today, Beyond Gravity operates under the umbrella of RUAG International Holding AG, entirely owned by the Swiss Confederation. This structure ensures strategic stability while allowing the company to pursue pioneering ventures in the New Space economy—a domain driven by commercial satellite constellations, reusable rockets, and global connectivity.
A Global Footprint and a Mission Beyond Earth
With twelve operational sites across Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, the United States, Finland, and Portugal, Beyond Gravity has successfully established itself as a major international player. Generating a turnover of approximately CHF 359 million (2024), the company’s impact extends across continents and orbits.
At its core, Beyond Gravity’s mission is profoundly humanistic:
“We help humanity explore the world and beyond.”
Its engineers and scientists contribute to critical areas such as satellite communications, weather forecasting, planetary exploration, and natural hazard management. The firm’s products have been integral to hundreds of successful missions, enabling everything from precise navigation and data collection to interplanetary research.
Two Core Divisions Driving Innovation
1. The Satellites Division: Building the Backbone of Space Missions
The Satellites Division of Beyond Gravity encompasses the company’s expertise in designing and manufacturing mission-critical satellite components. Beyond Gravity provides nearly all core elements of a satellite, excluding propulsion systems.
Its capabilities include:
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Structural frameworks ensuring durability and stability in harsh space environments.
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Computers and onboard electronics for data processing and communication.
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Thermal protection systems to maintain optimal satellite performance.
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Slip rings and mechanisms that enable precise movement and data transfer.
Through these technologies, Beyond Gravity empowers both commercial satellite operators and institutional clients to achieve reliable and sustainable missions.
2. The Launchers Division: Powering Humanity’s Leap into Space
The Launchers Division represents Beyond Gravity’s leadership in rocket structures and separation systems. The company’s composite payload fairings—designed to shield satellites during launch—are among the most advanced in the world.
Key achievements include:
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Preferred supplier for European Ariane and Vega rockets.
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Over 400 successful launches utilising Beyond Gravity technology.
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Global partnerships supporting American and Japanese launch programmes.
Each fairing, interstage adapter, and dispenser is a testament to Swiss precision engineering—ensuring satellites are placed in orbit with unmatched reliability.
Engineering Excellence and Technological Heritage
For more than half a century, Beyond Gravity has been at the forefront of aerospace component manufacturing, contributing to Europe’s most ambitious missions such as Ariane 5, Ariane 6, Vega-C, Galileo, and Copernicus. The company’s engineers have mastered the art of balancing lightweight design with structural strength, making its products both cost-efficient and durable.
Its integration of composite materials and digital manufacturing techniques ensures superior performance while meeting strict sustainability standards. Beyond Gravity’s continuous investment in research and development cements its reputation as one of Europe’s most innovative and reliable space partners.
Culture of Innovation: Where Agility Meets Experience
What sets Beyond Gravity apart is its unique culture—one that blends the entrepreneurial energy of a startup with the precision of an established engineering powerhouse. Employees are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and think beyond conventional limits.
This mindset is embodied in their motto:
“Challenge the impossible.”
Beyond Gravity’s Launchpad incubator programme exemplifies its commitment to nurturing new ideas. Through partnerships with startups and academic institutions, the company fosters creativity and accelerates technological breakthroughs that can shape the future of space exploration.
Commitment to Quality, Compliance, and Sustainability
In an era where aerospace technology is tightly regulated, Beyond Gravity maintains the highest standards of compliance and governance. As part of a state-owned enterprise, it operates with transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to international export controls.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of its operations. The firm actively pursues eco-friendly manufacturing practices, seeks to minimise waste, and designs components that contribute to safer, more efficient launches. This holistic approach ensures that innovation never comes at the cost of environmental responsibility.
Humanity’s Partner in Discovery
Beyond Gravity’s work extends far beyond rockets and satellites—it’s about advancing humanity’s understanding of our planet and the universe. From monitoring natural disasters to improving climate forecasting and supporting interplanetary missions, its technologies play an essential role in safeguarding and enhancing life on Earth.
Every mission Beyond Gravity supports reinforces its purpose: to make space accessible, reliable, and beneficial for all humankind. Through collaboration with global partners and institutions, the company continues to transform scientific dreams into achievable realities.
Conclusion: The Future Is Beyond Gravity
As the space industry enters an era of unprecedented growth, Beyond Gravity stands at the forefront—bridging the gap between scientific ambition and engineering execution. Its unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and exploration makes it a beacon of progress in the global aerospace community.
With its legacy of over 50 years, its redefined brand identity, and its commitment to pushing boundaries, Beyond Gravity is not just a company—it is a symbol of human aspiration. It represents our collective desire to reach further, think bigger, and go beyond the limits of Earth.
In the coming decades, as new constellations, reusable rockets, and interplanetary missions take flight, one name will continue to resonate through the cosmos—
Beyond Gravity, where the impossible becomes reality.
