Author: Scanway
Publication date:
The Polish technology company Scanway and the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (Łukasiewicz – ILOT) have signed a framework agreement regarding the conduct of environmental testing for optical instruments designed for use in space. The collaboration involves research conducted at the laboratories of the Łukasiewicz Aviation Institute and pertains to the next generations of instruments being developed by the Wrocław-based company. This new partnership will strengthen Scanway S.A.’s manufacturing capabilities and facilitate the transition to mass production of optical payloads for the global New Space sector.
– The collaboration between our institutions reflects a broader trend observed in the Polish space sector—the growing importance of domestic research infrastructure in the development of space technologies. Access to laboratories capable of conducting environmental testing allows Polish companies to carry out subsequent stages of their projects domestically, while maintaining the standards required by international space programs – says Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
The tests will be conducted at the Łukasiewicz Environmental Research Laboratory – ILOT and will include, among other things, vibration testing and tests in the TVAC (Thermal Vacuum) chamber. The former simulate the mechanical stresses that occur during a rocket launch, while the TVAC tests allow for evaluating the equipment’s performance under vacuum conditions and the wide temperature fluctuations typical of orbit. These types of tests are a standard part of the space equipment development process. They allow for verification of both the design’s correctness and its resistance to the space environment even before the instrument is launched into orbit.
In accordance with the terms of the collaboration, testing will be conducted at successive stages of instrument development—from structural-thermal models (STM), through engineering models (EM) and qualification models (QM), to the final flight models (FM). In the early stages, testing primarily serves to verify the design assumptions and simulation models. In the case of qualification models, testing is used to obtain full environmental qualification, while flight model testing provides the final confirmation of the instrument’s build quality.
For Scanway, this means the ability to conduct a repeatable, systematic verification process for its optical systems at a local partner’s facility, including telescopes from the SOP (Scanway Optical Payload) family, which are designed for Earth observation missions and other space applications.
– We are expanding our production capacity and gradually transitioning from the design phase to mass production of optical payloads for the global New Space sector. Environmental testing is one of the most important elements of the space hardware development process—it verifies the reliability of solutions even before they are launched into orbit. Our collaboration with the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation will allow us to conduct these tests in a repeatable manner tailored to specific instruments, in accordance with the requirements of international space industry standards. This new collaboration will support the scaling of our operations and strengthen the manufacturing capabilities necessary to carry out projects for clients in the global market. – concludes Mikołaj Podgórski.
From the perspective of the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation, this collaboration is part of the development of the country’s research infrastructure for the space sector. In recent years, the number of Polish companies developing satellite technologies has been growing, which has led to an increased demand for specialized environmental research.
The Łukasiewicz Laboratories—Institute of Aviation enable the conduct of tests that verify the behavior of components and instruments under conditions that correspond to real-world space mission scenarios.
– The Environmental Research Laboratory is one of the entities accredited by the Polish Center for Accreditation. Our engineers have many years of experience conducting tests in accordance with the requirements of international space programs, through which they actively support the development of domestic satellite technologies. This is our contribution to building Poland’s strong position in the global space sector. – emphasizes Svitlana Okolelova, Area Leader and Head of the Environmental Research Laboratory at Łukasiewicz – ILOT.
Scanway S.A. is a Polish company that has been in business for 10 years. It specializes in the optical data chain, which includes data acquisition, processing, analytics, and event prediction based on that data. In the Space segment, it provides both hardware solutions (optical instruments, such as telescopes and cameras) and imaging analytics. In the Industry segment, it offers solutions (products) based on image data processing, including complete quality control systems. The Company’s expertise and experience in both fields are complementary and create synergies. Scanway strives to provide its customers with full access to key optical data in both segments.
As one of only a dozen or so companies worldwide, Scanway has developed complete optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit. The Company is executing key contracts for space equipment in Poland and around the world, including for commercial customers. On March 27, 2026, the company made its debut on the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. For more information: https://scanway.pl/
The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation is one of the most important research and development centers in Poland, specializing in aviation, aerospace, and materials technologies. The Institute conducts research and development for industry and carries out projects for the aviation and space sectors. The Institute’s laboratories offer a wide range of environmental, materials, and structural testing, supporting the development of advanced technologies and the qualification processes for equipment used in demanding operating conditions. More information: https://ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Additional information:
Edyta Miszczuk
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Head of the Marketing and Communications Department
+48 515 369 066
edyta.miszczuk@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Katarzyna Żądło
Scanway S.A.
Chief Communication & Investor Relations Officer
+48 661 601 402
k.zadlo@scanway.pl
Mardoniusz Maćkowiak
Investor Relations Manager
cc group
+48 605 959 539
mardoniusz.mackowiak@ccgroup.pl
Franciszek Szukała
Financial Communication Manager
cc group
+48 664 920 048
franciszek.szukala@ccgroup.pl