A new €100 million “Megafactory” slated to open in Marcinelle, Belgium in 2026 will considerably boost Europe’s satellite manufacturing capacity. Aerospacelab, a rapidly growing European space company, plans to produce up to 500 mini-satellites annually at the facility, addressing the increasing global demand for space-based services. the project represents a major step toward restoring european independence in the space sector and features a collaborative approach between public and private investors, including the Wallonia region and Airbus Ventures.
Aerospacelab, a European space company valued at over $1 billion, is poised to become a major satellite manufacturer with the construction of a massive new facility in Belgium. Founded less than a decade ago, the company is rapidly scaling its production of standardized satellites, aiming to address growing demand for space-based services and data.
The company’s founder and CEO, Benoit Deper, began his career with experience at NASA and the European Space Agency, followed by a role as CTO at Swiss Space Systems. These experiences shaped his vision for a more accessible and scalable approach to space technology. In 2018, Deper returned to Belgium following a call from the AWEX (Wallonia Export-Investment Agency) to transform his international expertise into an entrepreneurial venture.
Aerospacelab quickly gained traction, delivering its first operational satellite within two years and attracting investment from firms including Airbus Ventures. The company emphasizes its strong local roots in Wallonia, Belgium, citing the region’s skilled workforce and robust industrial base. However, from the outset, Aerospacelab adopted a global strategy, collaborating with partners across multiple continents and utilizing SpaceX launch vehicles to deploy its satellites.
This strategy reflects a commitment to both global excellence and European independence in the space sector. The increasing reliance on satellite technology for communications, Earth observation, and navigation is driving demand for more efficient and cost-effective production methods.
That commitment will reach a new level in 2026 with the opening of the Megafactory in Marcinelle, Belgium. The facility, slated to be the largest of its kind in Europe, is projected to produce 500 mini-satellites annually. The project represents a €100 million investment and a collaborative effort between public and private entities, with the creation of over 500 jobs anticipated.
Deper stated the company’s goal is to become the leading satellite producer in Europe, not to directly compete with companies like SpaceX, but to restore European sovereignty in a field where it once held a prominent position. Aerospacelab’s approach signals a shift towards standardized, mass-produced satellites, potentially lowering the barriers to entry for new space-based applications and services.
With a focus on both technological advancement and strategic partnerships, Aerospacelab is positioning itself for continued growth and success in the rapidly evolving space industry.
