SES, a global space solutions company, has started construction of a new satellite manufacturing facility in Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg. The facility is part of SES’ plans to expand its in-house capabilities in satellite design, development, manufacturing and testing.
The new site will support the development of next-generation satellite networks and secure communications systems. It is also expected to strengthen Luxembourg’s space industry by providing infrastructure for engineering, manufacturing, assembly and testing activities.
The Kockelscheuer facility is being developed as part of Luxembourg’s plans to establish and expand a dedicated Space Campus. The campus is intended to support New Space companies, industrial collaboration and the development of future satellite technologies.
SES said the facility will support the development of its next-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) network, meoSphere. It will also contribute to Europe’s IRIS² programme through payload development and satellite assembly, integration and testing. Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden said, “SES’ new manufacturing facility is not just an investment in the future, but a bold affirmation of Luxembourg’s leadership in the rapidly evolving space sector. Together with our upcoming Space Campus, this site will serve as a catalyst for innovation, developing industrial capabilities that strengthen Luxembourg’s and Europe’s strategic autonomy, hand in hand with trusted partners.”
The 16,000-square-metre facility is expected to be completed and opened in 2028. It is being developed in collaboration with CDCL Group and Poudrerie de Luxembourg (ParcLuxite). The site will include engineering, manufacturing and testing facilities, office space and supporting infrastructure.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh said, “This state-of-the-art facility is a landmark moment for SES and for Luxembourg’s space sector. Our ambition is to create a world-class center for advanced space systems development, manufacturing, and engineering excellence that enables faster development cycles, greater innovation and more efficient delivery of next-generation multi-orbit solutions to our customers.”
The facility builds on SES’ existing satellite development activities, including its pilot line and research and development facility. The company said the new infrastructure will allow it to increase its involvement in satellite manufacturing and support the development of multi-orbit systems. The facility will draw on SES’ experience with its second-generation O3b mPOWER programme and its MEO satellite operations. The company plans to use the site for payload development as well as satellite assembly, integration and testing.
SES said the project will also contribute to the development of specialised skills and employment opportunities in Luxembourg’s space sector. The facility is expected to support collaboration among technology companies, suppliers, research organisations and other participants in the European space industry.
SES is headquartered in Luxembourg and provides multi-orbit satellite and terrestrial connectivity solutions. The company serves governments, businesses and other customers through satellite networks and terrestrial infrastructure. SES is listed on the Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges under the ticker SESG.
