Engineering Precision for Astronomy and Space
Technology, passion, innovation
Over 20 Years Dedicated to Technological Progress
From precision timing to advanced technologies for astronomy and space
What started with pioneering solutions in sports timing evolved into advanced engineering for astronomy and space applications.
For over 20 years, Microgate has developed advanced technologies for adaptive optics, optical communications, and space monitoring.
Today, Microgate also contributes to the space sector through advanced developments in space debris monitoring and optical communications, extending its mission beyond exploring the universe to supporting its sustainability and global connectivity.
The milestones that shaped our journey
A Timeline of Innovation across Sports, Astronomy and Space
From the first wireless timing systems developed for professional sports in the 1990s to the breakthrough of adaptive optics technologies for astronomy, Microgate has continuously expanded the boundaries of precision engineering.
Over the years, the company has evolved through a series of milestones that shaped its expertise across scientific instrumentation, real-time control systems, optical communications and space applications.
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Adaptive Optics
The first steps in adaptive optics
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The MMT Genesis
From concept to reality
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The MMT Operational Phase
Integration to first light
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The Giant Leap into Astronomy
Microgate Engineering develops into a solid business unit
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The ALMA Project
Precision control systems for world-class radio astronomy
The Team Powering Our Technology
Where talent, passion and engineering come together
Behind every Microgate technology there are people driven by curiosity, expertise, and the desire to push beyond existing limits. Engineers, researchers, software developers, physicists, and technicians work together to transform complex ideas into reliable, high-performance systems for astronomy, optical communications, and space applications.
Since 1989, the company has grown through a culture built on collaboration, scientific research, and hands-on engineering. From the first wireless timing systems to adaptive optics technologies operating in some of the world’s leading observatories, Microgate has always combined human talent with technological innovation.
Today, multidisciplinary teams develop advanced solutions across adaptive optics, real-time control systems, electronics, and scientific instrumentation — turning research, precision, and engineering expertise into technologies designed for the most demanding environments.
System Engineering of science projects
Advanced scientific research and engineering expertise come together to transform complex theoretical concepts into high-performance industrial and scientific applications.
Hardware Engineering
We manage the entire development cycle internally, from hardware design and prototyping to production and validation, ensuring quality, efficiency, and seamless integration across electronics, firmware, and software systems.
Software
Engineering
Our software architectures and hard real-time control algorithms are designed to guarantee extreme precision, operational reliability, and high-performance control in demanding environments.
Astronomical Research
Microgate contributes to the development of advanced astronomical instrumentation, adaptive optics systems, and technologies for next-generation observatories and scientific infrastructures.
Prototyping &
Testing
Every solution undergoes extensive validation and testing through dedicated engineering processes and controlled operational environments to ensure reliability and precision.
Production, System Integration & Field Deployment
We design specialized electronic architectures and high-speed drive systems for complex actuators, directly managing production, sub-system level testing, system integration, calibration, and on-site commissioning activities.
Our Partnerships
A technological ecosystem built on collaboration
Microgate operates within a network of strategic collaborations and highly specialized companies that strengthen its expertise across adaptive optics, photonics, and scientific instrumentation.
Micro Photon Devices (MPD)
A Microgate Group company specialized in single-photon detectors based on Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) and advanced photonic technologies for scientific and industrial applications. Originally founded as a spin-off of Politecnico di Milano, MPD represents a bridge between academic research and industrial innovation.
AdOptica was born from a collaboration that dates back to the 1990s, originating from the joint PhD research activities of the founders of Microgate and ADS International. Over the years, this partnership has evolved into a highly specialized synergy that combines complementary expertise in adaptive optics technologies.
Within the consortium, ADS International leads the opto-mechanical and structural design, manufacturing integration and testing of the systems, while Microgate develops the control electronics hardware, firmware and software, real-time control system, and system integration, calibration and testing. Together, the two companies deliver complete adaptive optics systems for some of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories.
In memory of Mario: Passion, dedication and professional excellence
With gratitude and respect, we remember Mario, whose passion, professionalism, and human contribution left a lasting mark on the company, on the adaptive optics projects and on the people who worked alongside him.
A controlled environment for precision engineering
Our 3500 m³ Clean Room
Microgate’s clean room facilities support the integration, testing, and validation of advanced technologies for adaptive optics and scientific instrumentation. Designed to meet the highest operational standards, the facility enables the development and assembly of large-scale precision systems, including testing under operational environmental conditions of the fully assembled systems for astronomy and space applications.
Our Core Engineering Capabilities
Engineering the Universe, one system at a time
We design and develop advanced Adaptive Optics systems that enhance image quality in large ground-based telescopes, enabling astronomers to explore the universe with unprecedented clarity.
We create cutting-edge solutions for satellite laser ranging and free-space optical communication, enabling precise distance measurements and high-speed data exchange between earth and space.
Real-time control systems
We deliver real-time control systems for complex applications, including real-time computers for Adaptive optics, main axes control of telescopes and radio telescopes. Our solutions ensure ultra-low latency, precise synchronization, and reliable performance in highly dynamic environments.
Discover more from Microgate
Precision technologies for timing, performance and rehabilitation
From international sporting events to elite training and clinical rehabilitation, Microgate develops precision technologies that measure, analyze and improve performance. Built on the same engineering excellence that powers our scientific solutions.
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