Skip to content

Space Logistics – Secured Transports for Satellite Components and the Ground Segment

Speed Logistics drives satellite components, test equipment and ground-segment hardware as an exclusive direct transport without transhipment – air-sprung, on request with shock and climate data loggers, confidential and with a jointly prepared transport plan for each individual shipment.

Container port with loading cranes from a bird's-eye view

Components for space travel are among the most sensitive and valuable goods in road transport: a single shock, a temperature deviation or a delay can set integration schedules back by weeks. Speed Logistics organises transports for space companies, research institutions and suppliers – from satellite components and assemblies to test and inspection equipment to ground-segment hardware for control and receiving stations.

Every space transport is planned by us as an individual project: direct transport without transhipment, air-sprung vehicles, coordinated routes and a 24/7 dispatch team that accompanies the journey from loading to handover. You receive the fixed-price quote within a few hours.

Scope of service for space companies and suppliers

  • Transport of satellite components, instruments and assemblies in the manufacturer's transport containers
  • Relocation of test rigs, cleanroom and integration equipment between sites
  • Delivery of ground-segment hardware to control centres and antenna sites in Europe
  • Time-critical supplies to integration and test campaigns

The scale is irrelevant here: from a single instrument in a padded container travelling by air-sprung van to a multi-tonne structural model in an overseas container, we dispatch the vehicle to suit the shipment – always as an exclusive journey, never in groupage with third-party cargo.

Minimal vibration and climate-stable: the transport execution

Space components usually travel in special transport containers with defined limits for shock, vibration and climate. We dispatch air-sprung vehicles, plan routes with as few road disturbances as possible and, if in doubt, drive slower rather than more riskily. On request, shock and climate data loggers accompany the shipment, so that after arrival you can verify compliance with the transport specification. Loading and unloading we coordinate with your integration teams – including crane or forklift provision at the destination.

Before the transport starts we prepare a short transport plan together with your responsible people: container data and limits, lifting points and lifting gear, loading sequence, contacts at both ends and a schedule with reserves. For multi-part campaigns – such as when structure, instruments and ground equipment travel separately – we time the journeys so that delivery to the integration site is in the right order.

Security and confidentiality for high-value cargo

Space goods are high-value and frequently confidential. Our transports therefore run with continuous GPS tracking, dedicated drivers, sealed load spaces and no stops at unsupervised places. Information on cargo, route and dates we treat confidentially and pass on only to the people you name. Details of the securing – such as a two-driver crew for a continuous journey – we determine together with your security officer.

Export control and customs for space goods

Many space components are subject to export control – as dual-use goods under EU law or with a US connection under ITAR/EAR. Responsibility for classification and permits lies with the exporter; we ensure that the transport matches: correct customs declaration, seamless documentation, no unplanned border crossings. For movements to non-EU countries we handle the complete customs clearance from EXW to DDP and coordinate procedures such as T1 transit or ATA Carnet for test equipment with you.

A non-binding fixed-price quote including all ancillary services – data loggers, two-driver crew, crane provision, customs – you usually receive within a few hours. For scheduled campaigns we recommend early involvement so that security and export questions are clarified without time pressure.

Frequently asked questions: Space Industry

How does Speed Logistics ensure minimal-vibration transports for satellite components?

Through air-sprung vehicles, adapted driving style, careful route planning and form-fit securing of the transport container. On request, shock and climate data loggers accompany the shipment, so that after arrival you can prove in documented form that the limits of your transport specification were met. Loading and securing we coordinate with your team in advance.

Can confidential space transports be carried out without an intermediate stop?

Yes. As a direct transport without transhipment, on request with a two-driver crew for a continuous journey, a sealed load space and real-time GPS tracking. Stops are made only at coordinated, secured points; information on cargo and route is given exclusively to named contacts. On request we report the status at defined waypoints.

Who takes care of export control and customs for space goods?

The export-control classification and any permits (dual-use, ITAR/EAR) lie with the exporter. Speed Logistics implements the transport in a permit-compliant way: correct customs declarations, seamless documentation, coordinated border crossings. For non-EU transports we handle the complete customs clearance from EXW to DDP, including seamless records for your export control file.

Does Speed Logistics also transport test rigs and integration equipment?

Yes. Site relocations of test rigs, cleanroom and test equipment we plan as a project: dismantling interfaces, crane or forklift provision, the sequence of the packages and restart at the destination site are coordinated with your teams in advance. For temporary movements to test campaigns abroad we use the ATA Carnet.

Which vehicles are used for space transports?

Depending on the container size, from the air-sprung van for instruments and assemblies to the 40 t articulated truck with tarpaulin or box body for large transport containers. Decisive are the dimensions and limits of your transport container – from these we derive the vehicle, load securing and loading concept, including crane or forklift provision if there is no infrastructure at the destination.

How quickly can a time-critical space transport start?

Our dispatch team is staffed around the clock; you usually receive a fixed-price quote within a few hours, and loading can often take place the same day for express needs. For planned integration or test campaigns we nevertheless recommend a few days' lead time for security and customs coordination.

What should be considered for export-controlled space goods?

Many space components are subject to export control – as dual-use goods under EU law or with a US connection under ITAR/EAR. Classification and permits are the exporter's responsibility; Speed Logistics ensures that the transport matches: correct customs declaration, seamless documentation and no unplanned border crossings.

Why is every space transport planned as an individual project with a transport plan?

A single shock, a temperature deviation or a delay can set integration schedules back by weeks. We therefore prepare a transport plan with your responsible people before the transport starts – container data and limits, lifting points, loading sequence, contacts and a schedule with reserves – and, if in doubt, drive slower rather than more riskily.

Request space industry

Contact our dispatch team – fixed-price quote within hours, available 24/7.