Our past projects
Orbital Maneuver Simulator
In collaboration with the eSpace laboratory from EPFL, we participated to the development of a system engineering tool evaluating the performances of a mission scenario. Models were developed for satellite constellation deployment and active debris removal missions. Performances were evaluated based on the fuel consumption and duration of the simulated missions. Collaboration and Timeline With:...
Wheel Soil Interaction
RUAG Space Mechanisms is handling the development and testing campaign of the Exomars rover’s locomotion system. In the scope of this project, they developed a tool facilitating data validation of terramechanics models with actual test data. The job consisted of updating the code to a more up to date development platform, integrating two new terramechanics...
Vintage Airplane Wing Root Technical Drawings
Runway18 is a mechanic company for aeronautical aeroplanes, taking the challenge of renovating vintage planes. For a Navion from 1946, they needed to reverse engineer a specific part at the wing’s root. The first challenge was to identify the material used for the part as well as the production method of the alloy. The second...
RUAG Space Mechanisms – Contracting
The Countdown Company provides direct engineering support to Beyond Gravity’s (former RUAG Space) team. Beyond Gravity can count on our engineering services to curb lasting activity peaks. With our ability to quickly integrate the team, understand problems and produce solutions, we have been able to offer engineering work which makes the difference. Collaboration and Timeline...
Composite Wheel Rim’s Mold manufacturing
For the development of their e-racing car, the EPFL racing team are manufacturing their own wheel’s rims out of composite material. For laminating and curing of the composite, they have designed a two parts mold out of epoxy tooling block. The Countdown Company supported the team in the machining of the mold according to their...
Torque Compensation Unit (TCU)
RUAG Space Mechanisms is a reference in the development of mirror actuators for inorbit applications. In order to compensate for the torque generated by the flex pivot guiding the rotation of a mirror, RUAG Space proposed their client to integrate a Torque Compensation Unit (TCU). This mechanism has a similar behavior to a mechanical spring...
Non-Pyrotechnic Quick Link Release Mechanism
Tight deadline, complex system integration, electro-mechanical system with a potential space application: right in The Countdown Company’s sweet spot! The 2020 EPFL Rocket Team required a system to hold their main parachute during the first phase of the descent which is controlled by a drogue chute. At low altitude, this same system shall release the...
Machine Improvements
PBMC SA, active in the material polishing business, from Les Brenets (CH) has chosen The Countdown Company to be their engineering office partner for the development of their actual and future machines. Multiple projects are in the pipeline, from existing models enhancement to complete new machine design. The Countdown Company is responsible for the studies,...
Thermal Sanitizer
Hilcona industrialises the production of fresh food at a large scale, requiring them to have an advanced technology production line respecting the highest sanitary standards. To optimise their production, they wanted an innovative way to sanitize a specific machine without the need to fully disassemble and re-assemble it. The proposed and developed solution consisted in...