Redwire is expanding its European operations with the opening of a regional office in Warsaw.
The new unit will support the development of the Jacksonville, Florida-based space infrastructure company’s international berthing and docking mechanism, or IBDM, including design and specification, assembly, integration and testing, Redwire said Monday.
Tech Partnerships
The IBDM technology is geared to provide autonomous spacecraft docking capability for the International Habitat of the NASA-led Gateway lunar space station. Other versions of the system could also be deployed to other Gateway elements, low Earth orbit satellites and commercial space stations.
In addition, Redwire will use its Warsaw office to partner with Polish universities, medical research organizations, and pharmaceutical firms, focusing on the company’s microgravity capabilities on the International Space Station.
Peter Cannito, Redwire chairman and CEO, said the company’s growing European footprint supports the increasing demand from global customers. “Redwire’s new Poland office will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and technology development while contributing to critical systems such as the IBDM,” he added.
Local Talent as Warsaw Unit Head
Polish industry veteran Marcin Dobrowolski, with more than 10 years of experience in aerospace, will lead Redwire’s Warsaw office as general manager. He will oversee the unit’s efforts to create new opportunities for Poland’s participation in global space programs, including European and U.S. activities.
Redwire has been involved in Europe’s space industry for over 40 years, including participation in European Space Agency programs.
The company is building a very low Earth orbit satellite at its Belgian facility, using a design it plans to develop through participation in ESA’s Skimsat VLEO mission. Redwire is also under an ESA contract to design and build a robotic arm prototype for the agency’s future Argonaut lunar lander.