SatNow recently interviewed Günther Lackner, Senior Vice President for Terma Space. Terma Space is a leading company in delivering advanced space technology solutions with a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation. With an extensive background in IT, security and the semiconductor industries, Günther has established a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence. Holding an MSc in Computer Science, a PhD in Information Technology from the Technical University of Graz and an MBA in Executive Management from California Lutheran University, he brings a unique blend of technical and business expertise to his role. Under Günther’s leadership, Terma Space is driving forward with growth, high-performing teams and advanced solutions to strengthen its position in the global space industry.

Q. Can you provide a brief history of TERMA Group and its evolution in the space segment over the years?

Günther Lackner: Denmark has been part of Europe's space story from the beginning, with Terma right at its side. When the European Space Agency was founded in 1975, Terma was already working on technology for its predecessor organisation ESRO that would support some of its earliest missions. By 1972, our contributions were onboard the ESRO IV satellite, and in 1999, we led the Ørsted satellite project, Denmark’s first step into orbit.

Through the 2000s and 2010s, we expanded our work, delivering power systems for ESA missions like Rosetta, Mars Express and Venus Express. These systems kept spacecraft powered across deep-space journeys. And Terma’s star trackers guided scientific satellites, ensuring they stayed on course. In 2018, Terma took on another major project, serving as prime contractor for the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM), an observatory mounted on the International Space Station. Its data is shaping what we know about high-altitude electrical discharges and their role in Earth’s climate.

2024 marked ten years of CCS5, our mission control and test orchestration system that has supported over 30 missions, including Euclid, Juice, OneWeb, THEOS-1, and OptSat. Built for efficiency and adaptability, it helps teams manage complex satellite testing and operations with ease.

With the acquisition of ATOS’s space activities in 2023, we now offer comprehensive testing solutions for Radio Frequency Special Check-out Equipment (RF SCOE), Power Special Check-out Equipment (SCOE), and Payload Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). Today, with more than 75 missions behind us, Terma remains a trusted partner in space industry. Our hardware and software test and power Earth observation, geostationary telecom, defense, and interplanetary missions, supporting every stage of spacecraft development with no compromises.

Q. Can you tell us more about your range of space product portfolio? How do these products address the diverse needs of modern space missions?

Günther Lackner: Terma delivers tailored solutions across every stage of a spacecraft’s lifecycle, ensuring reliability and performance for all space missions. With expertise in assembling spacecraft equipment, Terma enhances system reliability through advanced star trackers, modular Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDUs), modular Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), and mission specific customized units. Innovations like ultra-stable technology in PCDUs set new standards for efficiency and durability. When we see the need for new features we can add them based on the need of the space mission.

A precise and adaptable test setup ensures seamless integration with various satellite configurations. Radio Frequency Special Check-out Equipment (RF SCOE), Power Special Check-out Equipment (SCOE), and Payload Electrical Ground Support Equipment(EGSE) enable fully automated power and communication tests, guaranteeing functionality and compliance with stringent satellite requirements.

Terma's Terma Ground Segment Suite (TGSS)  works both independently and collectively, forming a comprehensive ground segment software for testing, managing, monitoring, and controlling satellites. With a decades-long heritage, our solutions are designed to support both individual satellites and large constellations, serving commercial and military missions alike. TGSS ensures comprehensive testing, management, automation and control capabilities, providing seamless integration between ground and space operations.

We, at Terma, are proudly contributing at each stage of the spacecraft development lifecycle, delivering reliable solutions.

Q. What are power conditioning and distribution systems? How it is different from other power systems available in the market?

Günther Lackner: For over 50 years, Terma has been delivering power solutions that keep missions running far beyond Earth. Our Power Conditioning and Distribution Units (PCDUs) have evolved with each generation, bringing higher power density, more outputs and smarter functionality to meet the increasing demands of space missions.

What sets our PCDUs apart is the way they balance strength, efficiency, and adaptability. Each module has its own mechanical structure, built to handle the stresses of launch and space operations. A direct thermal contact area ensures effective heat management, keeping systems stable under extreme conditions. With a design focused on modularity and performance, our PCDUs provide a mass-to-performance ratio that stands out in the industry. Built for reliability and efficiency, Terma’s PCDUs continue to power spacecraft with precision, meeting the needs of today’s missions and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

Q. What is Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)? What are its unique advantages in spacecraft operations?

Günther Lackner: Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) play a key role in satellite operations, extending the capabilities of the onboard computer and managing critical spacecraft functions. Terma’s RTU system is built to handle monitoring, control and power distribution for a wide range of equipment, including sensors, thermistors, Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS), and heaters. Designed for flexibility, our RTUs support LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep-space missions, making integration smooth and adaptable to different spacecraft configurations. With in-house testing and manufacturing, we ensure every unit meets the highest standards before launch.

With more than 40 flight model RTUs delivered, Terma has supported missions like H2Sat, Electra, LUXEOSys (NAOS), HERA, and CO2M. On HERA, for example, our Platform RTU powers and controls key systems based on commands from the onboard computer, while continuously tracking spacecraft health. Meanwhile, the Chemical Propulsion System RTU, designed with millisecond precision, manages propulsion through 22 thrusters, monitors fuel levels, and ensures stable operation. Built to perform under extreme conditions, Terma’s RTUs provide reliable and precise control, keeping missions on track from launch to deep space.

Q. Can you tell us more about the advanced capabilities your Star Trackers? What are its applications?

Günther Lackner: Terma’s journey in star tracker technology started with the HE-5AS. This technology became a trusted part of high-profile missions, including ESA’s CryoSat-2, which continues to deliver critical data on Earth’s ice sheets and sea levels.

Building on that foundation, Terma developed the T1 and T3 Star Trackers, pushing performance and adaptability even further. The T1 is designed for long-duration missions, built to withstand the harsh radiation of geostationary orbit for over 15 years. The T3, on the other hand, was created for the growing commercial space sector—a high-quality, cost-effective solution for smaller satellites in low Earth orbit. 

Using radiation-hardened aspherical optics, Terma’s Star Trackers achieve high precision while maintaining durability. Another key innovation is thermal stability. Unlike traditional systems that rely on power-hungry cooling units, Terma’s design ensures stable performance across extreme temperatures without active cooling. This reduces power consumption and simplifies satellite integration. With decades of experience and a focus on continuous improvement, Terma’s Star Trackers remain a trusted choice for everything from Earth observation to deep space exploration providing precision, reliability and innovation for the missions of today and tomorrow.

Q. Can you describe how the engineering and operational support services and simulation tools supports space missions?

Günther Lackner: Terma delivers specialized engineering and operational support, along with advanced simulation tools, to improve the efficiency and reliability of space missions. With over 50 years of experience, we provide tailored expertise to agencies and companies, including EUMETSAT and ESA/ESOC missions, offering flexible solutions that adapt to mission needs whether through individual consultants or dedicated teams working on-site, near-site or remotely.

Terma provides models, emulators and full simulation setups to support starting from the development of flight software and up to the spacecraft operations. These include software validation facilities and avionics test benches, ensuring efficient testing and integration. Additionally, Terma offers complete operational simulators that help spacecraft operators prepare for launch by verifying ground segment systems, validating operational procedures, and training teams for both routine and unexpected scenarios.

Terma’s engineering and operational support services cover all stages of a mission, ensuring accuracy, security, and reliability. Terma designs and maintains payload data systems, assists with spacecraft assembly and testing, and offers expertise in RF, power management and thermal data handling. Terma’s cybersecurity services protect mission-critical navigation and communication systems, while IT and networking solutions support space agencies and research institutions. Terma also develops and maintains essential ground systems, keeping operations running smoothly from development to long-term support. By combining expert support with advanced tools, Terma helps space missions run smoothly from concept to operation, delivering solutions that keep missions on track and drive progress in space exploration.

Q. What are your satellite testing solutions? How does your simulation and testing facilities impact on product development?

Günther Lackner: Terma provides a full range of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) to verify satellite performance and reliability throughout development and pre-launch. These systems are a core part of Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT), ensuring that every spacecraft is ready for the challenges of its mission.

At the center of our EGSE offering is the Central Checkout System (CCS), powered by our TSC and CCS5 product lines. We also provide the TEMU processor emulator, an essential tool for Software Validation Facilities and Operational Simulators, enabling precise emulation of onboard computer models and ground systems. Our spacecraft simulators and test software cover all levels of AIT, supporting instruments, subsystems, and entire satellites to improve testing, operational training and mission preparation.

Our EGSE lineup also includes:

• Payload Electrical Ground Support Equipment (Payload EGSE) for verifying telecom payload performance
• Radio Frequency Special Check-Out Equipment (RF SCOE) for signal testing and validation
• Power Special Check-Out Equipment (Power SCOE) for automated power system verification

Our simulation and testing capabilities help engineers detect and address potential issues early, reducing development time and cost. By enabling virtual testing at the design stage, we accelerate iteration and optimization before physical prototypes are built. This approach improves reliability, enhances performance, and ensures each system meets the demands of modern space missions. With a focus on precision and efficiency, Terma’s satellite testing solutions give mission teams the confidence that their spacecraft will perform as expected delivering reliable results when it matters most.

Q. Could you elaborate on the technological advancements in TERMA’s Power Systems that make them a preferred choice for spacecraft power management?

Günther Lackner: Terma develops power systems built to support a wide range of space missions, from deep space probes and interplanetary satellites to geostationary and Earth orbit spacecraft. Designed for flexibility, our modular Power Conditioning and Distribution Units (PCDUs) scale to meet the specific demands of each mission.

Key features of Terma’s PCDUs include:

Adaptable design – A modular architecture allows for scalability and customization, ensuring compatibility with missions across deep space, geostationary and Earth orbit environments.

Efficient and redundant – Engineered for maximum power efficiency, minimizing energy loss and enhancing spacecraft performance over extended mission lifetimes.

Compact and lightweight – High-frequency switched-mode power conversion technology reduces unit mass, an essential factor in spacecraft design where every kilogram matters.

Tested and proven in space, Terma’s PCDUs deliver reliable performance in even the most challenging conditions. For the Euclid mission, for example, we developed a power system designed to meet strict radiation tolerance requirements. By combining a modular architecture with standardized, qualified technology, we optimized assembly, integration and testing while enhancing reliability and power efficiency.

Q. What is TGSS? How does this suite of products impact on spacecraft operations? 

Ground systems are the backbone of every mission, making sure spacecraft are tested, launched and operated with precision. With over 30 major missions supported across commercial, defense, and scientific domains, the focus remains on efficiency at every step, helping teams move from testing to operations without unnecessary complexity.

TGSS works directly with Electrical Ground Support Equipment, cutting down on manual tasks and automating spacecraft validation. Once testing is complete, control shifts to operations. CCS5 takes charge, managing everything from first contact to daily commands. The transition from assembly and testing to full operation happens without disruption, keeping ground and space in sync. When managing constellations, scale matters. TGSS makes it easier to track, plan, and automate, keeping operations efficient and reducing manual workload. From initial testing to daily operations, TGSS ties everything together accelerating launches, simplifying control, and improving decision-making. Designed to scale with growing needs, it’s a system ready for what comes next.

Q. Recently Terma group partnered with the ESA RAMSES mission to enhance planetary defense capabilities. How does this collaboration enhance your capabilities in advancing space safety?

Terma continues to strengthen space safety and planetary defense through its collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES). As the provider of the Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for the mission, Terma builds on its legacy of innovation in spacecraft communication and control.

The RTU serves as a key link between the spacecraft's central computer and its subsystems, ensuring seamless communication and precise operation. Designed for reliability, Terma’s technology helps RAMSES monitor and manage onboard instruments with accuracy throughout the mission.

This isn't the first step in planetary defense. The ESA’s HERA mission, focused on asteroid impact research, and further highlights Terma’s role in advancing Earth’s protection against space threats. From propulsion control to system management and ground testing, Terma’s solutions help keep HERA’s satellite systems running with precision.

Q. How does TERMA plans in contributing to the ESA’s 2028 ExoMars mission? How does this partnership align with your long-term strategy in the exploration of Mars?

Terma is proud to once again support the European Space Agency’s ExoMars program, securing the largest space contract in the company’s history. This partnership will see Terma deliver critical power systems and test equipment for the 2028 mission, aiding the Rosalind Franklin Rover in its search of if life ever existed on Mars.

As part of the mission, Terma will supply a Remote Terminal Unit, a Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit, a Radio Frequency Special Check-Out Equipment (RF SCOE) and a Power SCOE, each playing a key role in ensuring the spacecraft’s reliability and performance. Contributing to ExoMars reflects Terma’s dedication to advancing space exploration with innovative and indispensable technology. The 2028 mission showcases what international collaboration can achieve, driving scientific discovery and pushing the boundaries.

Q. What are the major goals and upcoming developments for TERMA in the space segment? What is your 3-year roadmap?

The space industry is rapidly growing, and with this growth come new challenges and requirements for space companies. As a partner in space innovation, we don’t stand still—we are always looking ahead to ensure we meet our customers' evolving needs with relevant, forward-thinking solutions. In the coming years, we plan to expand our presence in both the commercial and defense markets. Along with this growth, we are preparing to launch several new products and enhanced features for our existing offerings.

In 2025, the space industry will encounter Terma's game-changing SDR modem, which sets a new standard in communication. With its distributed architecture, parallel processing capabilities and cloud-readiness, our SDR modem reduces signal loss, increases data speed, and ensures compatibility with industry standards. This will offer our customers unmatched reliability, scalability, and efficiency in even the most demanding environments at reasonable price level.

For small-scale missions, Terma’s "EGSE in a Box" will provide high-quality testing at a lower cost, meeting the growing demand for CubeSat verification. With these new products and technologies, we continue to stand as an innovative partner, dedicated to ensuring the success of our clients’ missions.

About Günther Lackner

Günther Lackner serves as the Senior Vice President for Terma Space, leveraging extensive expertise in IT, technology, and digital transformation. He has held senior leadership positions in the security and semiconductor industries, demonstrating a proven track record of strategic leadership and innovation.

He holds an MSc in Computer Science and a PhD in Information Technology from the Technical University of Graz, as well as an MBA in Executive Management from California Lutheran University. Throughout his career, Günther has consistently excelled in building high-performing teams, optimizing operations and driving growth within high-tech industries.