Aerospacelab: Belgian Satellite Pioneer Secures Major Funding Boost Amid Expansion Drive

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

In the rapidly evolving space industry, Aerospacelab, a Belgian-based satellite manufacturer, is making significant strides. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in designing, building, and operating small to medium-sized satellites, focusing on Earth observation, telecommunications, and defense applications. With a vertically integrated approach, Aerospacelab provides end-to-end solutions, from satellite platforms to geospatial intelligence services. As of September 2025, the company has been in the headlines for securing substantial investments to fuel its ambitious growth plans, positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s space sector.

On August 26, 2025, Aerospacelab announced the closure of a €94 million (approximately $110 million USD) Series B funding round. This investment, led by a consortium including XAnge and other European venture firms, marks a pivotal moment for the company. The funds are earmarked to accelerate Aerospacelab’s roadmap, with a primary focus on completing its state-of-the-art “Megafactory” in Charleroi, Belgium. This facility, set to be Europe’s largest satellite manufacturing site, broke ground in 2024 and is expected to produce up to 500 satellites annually once fully operational. Production of 150- to 700-kilogram satellites is slated to begin in early 2026, enhancing Europe’s capabilities in secure communications and Earth observation.

The funding also supports deeper vertical integration, including advancements in research and development for next-generation satellite technologies. Aerospacelab’s CEO, Benoît Deper, emphasized in a statement that this capital will help meet surging demand from defense, telecom, and intelligence sectors. This comes at a time when global satellite constellations, such as Europe’s IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnection, and Security by Satellite), are gaining momentum. Aerospacelab is eyeing a leading manufacturing role in IRIS², a multi-orbit broadband constellation aimed at providing sovereign secure communications for EU member states.

Adding to the momentum, on September 23, 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced €37.5 million in venture debt financing for Aerospacelab, backed by the EU’s InvestEU program. This funding is designed to scale up cutting-edge satellite production and bolster Europe’s autonomy in space security, telecommunications, and Earth-observation capabilities. The EIB’s support underscores Aerospacelab’s role in reinforcing the continent’s space infrastructure, particularly amid geopolitical tensions that highlight the need for resilient satellite systems.

This venture debt complements the Series B round, providing non-dilutive capital to expedite the Megafactory’s completion and expand mass production of microsatellites under the EU’s TechEU initiative. Belgian media outlets, such as L’Echo, reported that the investment will strengthen Europe’s spatial autonomy, with the EIB highlighting Aerospacelab’s innovative contributions to the sector.

Aerospacelab’s growth isn’t limited to funding. Earlier in 2025, the company successfully acquired AMOS (Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems), a Belgian optics specialist, enhancing its in-house capabilities for high-precision satellite components. This acquisition aligns with Aerospacelab’s strategy to control more of the supply chain, reducing dependencies and improving efficiency.

On the international front, Aerospacelab expanded its presence by opening a state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility in Torrance, California, in August 2024. This U.S. outpost aims to tap into the American market, supporting collaborations with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial partners. The facility is already contributing to increased production capacity, with plans to integrate it into the broader Megafactory ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Aerospacelab is preparing for its first hyperspectral mission, IPERLITE, which is ready for launch and will demonstrate advanced Earth-imaging technology. The company is also actively recruiting, with recent job postings for roles like Project Manager in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, indicating ongoing expansion.

Aerospacelab’s developments come amid broader industry trends, including potential mergers among European space giants like Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, and Leonardo, which could reshape the competitive landscape for projects like IRIS². By focusing on cost-efficient, scalable satellite solutions, Aerospacelab is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and geospatial data services.

Despite the positive momentum, the space sector faces hurdles such as supply chain disruptions and regulatory complexities. Aerospacelab’s emphasis on vertical integration and European sovereignty could mitigate these risks, but scaling to 500 satellites per year will require flawless execution.

As of late September 2025, Aerospacelab’s trajectory is upward, with over €130 million in fresh capital propelling it toward becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s space ambitions. Industry watchers will be keen to see how the Megafactory rollout and IRIS² involvement unfold, potentially setting new benchmarks for satellite manufacturing efficiency and innovation.

Last update on 2025-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API