Space Communication – Made in Mühlviertel

From Freistadt to outer space – with real impact at home.

ASA and INNOVAMETALL, two innovation-driven companies from Upper Austria’s Mühlviertel region, are developing cutting-edge systems for space communication. Their collaboration demonstrates how regional expertise can shape global technology – and strengthen local value creation at the same time.

Regional partnership. Global relevance.

A telescope manufacturer meets a modular building specialist – an unexpected combination that works seamlessly. ASA contributes precision engineering in astronomy; INNOVAMETALL brings advanced system know-how from construction, energy, and mobility. The result: new perspectives born in the Mühlviertel.

Innovation from a simple question

“How can we protect a high-precision telescope without compromising performance?” – that question sparked a new integrated system combining durable protection with intelligent infrastructure.

Efficiency through proximity

Working just a few kilometres apart allowed both teams to move fast – from idea to implementation. Today, their joint system is operating in quantum communication and research projects around the world – proudly Made in Mühlviertel.

Technology with impact

Beyond engineering excellence, the project opens doors for education, research, and tourism. From school astronomy labs to international science collaborations, the system connects people and knowledge – across disciplines and continents.

A shared spirit of innovation

With over 30 years of modular-building expertise, INNOVAMETALL complements ASA’s world-leading telescope technology. Together, they redefine what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.

Next milestones

After the pilot station at ASA’s Freistadt site, upcoming projects include an optical ground station for quantum communication at Hafelekar, Innsbruck, and two observatories in Chile’s Atacama Desert.