Aerospacelab
Aerospacelab is a Belgian vertically integrated small-satellite manufacturer and operator, building modular Versatile Satellite Platform buses and payloads (hyperspectral, SAR, RF sensing, telecom) for European government agencies and commercial constellation operators, with a 500-satellite-per-year Megafactory under construction.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersMont-saint-guibert, Belgium
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Aerospacelab does
Aerospacelab S.A. is a Belgian vertically integrated satellite manufacturer founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert, with operations in Belgium, France, Switzerland, and the United States. The company designs, builds, and operates a modular satellite platform family (Versatile Satellite Platform, VSP) — available in multiple size variants including the VSP-150 — alongside an integrated payload portfolio covering hyperspectral, multispectral, very high resolution optical, SAR, radio frequency sensing, and narrowband/broadband telecommunications. In-house avionics subsystems (on-board computer, S- and X-band radios, power conditioning and distribution unit, GNSS receiver) and a 90% vertical integration stance underpin the company's ability to deliver full turnkey missions or subsystem-level supply.
The business operates a hybrid model combining hardware sales (satellite platforms, payloads, subsystems) with a Mission-as-a-Service offering where Aerospacelab operates the space and ground segment and delivers imagery or data to the customer under KPI tracking. Production currently runs through the Monnet Center in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve (24 satellites/year) with a 17,500 sqm Megafactory in Charleroi under construction (500 satellites/year capacity, opening 2026, full capacity 2027). The company sells exclusively through direct B2B channels targeting two primary segments: government and defense institutions (Belgian Defence, JAXA, ESA, VITO) and commercial constellation operators (Xona Space Systems, MDA Space, Vyoma). Reported flight heritage stands at 100% operational success across the Arthur (2021), Grégoire (2023), Riri/Fifi/Loulou/Rose (2024), and NAHLA/IPERLITE (2025) missions.
Aerospacelab is privately held with approximately €167 million in disclosed funding across Series A (April 2019, ~€11M), Series B (February 2022, €40M), and an extended Series B (August 2025, €94M including a €38M EIB commitment), with Airbus Ventures, XAnge, BNP Paribas Fortis, Dassault Systèmes, imec.xpand, Torus Capital, and Belgian regional investors as backers. The company's competitive positioning rests on ITAR-free European supply chain for sovereign customers, flight-proven modular platforms, and a manufacturing scale play that, once the Megafactory is fully operational, targets volume tier-1 status in the European smallsat market. Key strategic optionality includes the SpaceRISE IRIS2 LEO High bid (€10.6B program, decision pending), the 200-unit MDA AURORA subsystem contract, and the Xona Pulsar constellation manufacturing partnership.
Aerospacelab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aerospacelab
- Legal name
- Aerospacelab S.A.
- Website
- https://aerospacelab.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Aerospacelab is a Belgian vertically integrated small-satellite manufacturer and operator, building modular Versatile Satellite Platform buses and payloads (hyperspectral, SAR, RF sensing, telecom) for European government agencies and commercial constellation operators, with a 500-satellite-per-year Megafactory under construction.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aerospacelab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spacecraft Integration, Assembly & Test (IAT) (IMABACAK), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)
Keywords
Where Aerospacelab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mont-saint-guibert
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Aerospacelab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Satellite Manufacturing: Design, manufacture, and delivery of satellite platforms and complete satellites. Includes subsystems, payloads, and turnkey solutions. Revenue from hardware sales to government and commercial customers for constellation programs.
- Mission-as-a-Service: Operating space and ground segment, delivering requested imagery and data products to customers. Streamlined development focusing on quality product delivery tracked through KPIs.
- Payload Integration: Design and integration of high-performance payloads for Earth Observation and Telecommunications, optimized to customer platforms and mission profiles.
- Satellite Operations: End-to-end operations from design through in-orbit demonstration to operational constellation management.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Aerospacelab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aerospacelab designs, manufactures, and operates satellite platforms and payloads for Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, and radio frequency sensing applications. The company sells its proprietary Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) family of modular satellite buses along with integrated payloads, plus a Mission-as-a-Service offering where it operates the space and ground segment to deliver imagery and data products to customers. Solutions span from single in-orbit demonstrations to full constellation deployments, with 90% vertical integration from hardware to software.
Product overview
Aerospacelab is a vertically integrated satellite manufacturer offering a full-stack solution from design to operation. The core product is the Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) family — modular satellite buses available in multiple size variants that can accommodate any payload for any orbit. Around this platform, Aerospacelab offers an integrated portfolio of payload modules: Hyperspectral (CSIMBA), Radio Frequency Sensing, Very High Resolution Optical, Multispectral, SAR, and Telecommunications payloads. The company provides these as turnkey solutions or individually, with the Mission-as-a-Service model for customers seeking operational data delivery rather than hardware. Production is scaled through The Megafactory in Charleroi, Europe's largest satellite factory with 500 satellites/year capacity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP): Multi-mission-ready agnostic satellite bus designed for scalable constellation deployment
- The Megafactory
- Mission-as-a-Service
Products and services
- Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) Family Modular satellite bus platforms for rapid deployment at scale. The VSP family includes multiple size variants (VSP-150, VSP-Vanilla) supporting payloads for Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, and radio frequency sensing applications across LEO orbits. Sold to government and commercial customers for constellation programs.
- Hyperspectral Payloads High-performance hyperspectral imaging payloads such as CSIMBA delivering 150 spectral bands with 20-meter resolution over 80 km swath for environmental and bio-agricultural monitoring applications. Sold to customers with their own platforms under Pathway 2 model.
- Radio Frequency Sensing Payloads RFS payloads with multi-antenna systems that identify and characterize radio frequency emissions. Three satellites fly in triangular formation for enhanced geolocation of emission sources, operating regardless of weather conditions.
- Very High Resolution Optical Payloads Sub-meter resolution PAN (panchromatic) imaging payloads for detailed Earth observation missions, sold to customers with their own platforms.
- Multispectral Payloads Multispectral imaging payloads for Earth observation applications including agricultural monitoring, environmental assessment, and infrastructure mapping, sold to customers with their own platforms.
- SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) Payloads Radar-based Earth observation payloads capable of all-weather, day-night imaging independent of atmospheric conditions, sold to customers with their own platforms.
- Telecommunications Payloads Narrowband and broadband telecommunications payloads including secure connectivity solutions for government and commercial applications, sold to customers with their own platforms.
- Mission-as-a-Service End-to-end mission management service where Aerospacelab operates the space and ground segment and delivers requested imagery or data to customers under a KPI-based service model. Includes satellite design, launch, operations, and data delivery.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% satellite operational success rate
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Aerospacelab
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Aerospacelab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Aerospacelab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- RedwirecoreAerospacelab partnered with Redwire as satellite manufacturer for the MATTEO program - Belgium's first national security satellite developed for Belgian Defence. Redwire serves as prime contractor with Aerospacelab providing satellite manufacturing expertise and in-country production to support Belgium's Industrial Technology Base strategy.
- SpaceRISE ConsortiumflagshipSpaceRISE consortium (SES, Eutelsat, Hispasat) managing IRIS2 European sovereign constellation program. Aerospacelab competing as one of two primary bidders for LEO High segment alongside Airbus Defence and Space. 10.6 billion EUR program deploying 272 LEO and 18 MEO satellites with initial services targeted for 2030.
- JAXAcoreJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency selected Aerospacelab to build platform for SAMRAI demonstration mission. Contract through Mitsui Bussan Aerospace for JAXA spacecraft development.
- Xona Space SystemscoreAerospacelab selected by Xona to manufacture eight additional satellites for the Pulsar LEO navigation constellation, building on success of Pulsar-0 demonstration. Aerospacelab serves as transition manufacturing partner supplying flight-proven VSP platforms and systems integration while Xona develops in-house production capabilities in California. Launches beginning late 2026.
- MDA SpacecoreMDA Space tapped Aerospacelab to supply 200 units of critical subsystems for their new satellite line as part of the AURORA constellation, expanding MDA's international partner roster.
- VyomaminorAerospacelab building debris-tracking satellite for Vyoma, supporting space situational awareness and orbital sustainability applications.
- ExolaunchcoreExolaunch provides mission management and integration services for Aerospacelab satellite launches. Multi-Launch Agreement through 2023 and 2024 enabling launch of seven VSP satellites via SpaceX Falcon 9. Includes CarboNIX separation systems.
- ESAcoreEuropean Space Agency ScaleUp INVEST program participant. ESA provides support for European companies in scaling-up phase. Aerospacelab participated in competitive dialogues for IRIS2 LEO High segment procurement.
- VITO (Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek)coreFlemish Institute for Technological Research partnered with Aerospacelab for IPERLITE hyperspectral mission. VITO operates user segment receiving imagery while Aerospacelab operates space and ground segment under Mission-as-a-Service model. Supported by ESA and BELSPO.
- AMOScoreAerospacelab's subsidiary specializing in optical systems. AMOS collaborated with IMEC, Deltatec, and Spacebel to deliver CSIMBA hyperspectral imager for IPERLITE mission. Part of Aerospacelab group.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aerospacelab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- OHB System: European mid-sized satellite manufacturer delivering LEO and GEO platforms for institutional and commercial customers, including the IRIS2 constellation. Most direct comparability given shared European sovereignty positioning and active competition on the same EU programs.
- Terran Orbital: U.S. small-satellite manufacturer offering modular bus platforms and constellation production at scale (including work with Lockheed Martin and others). Highly comparable vertically integrated LEO platform business and where Aerospacelab's Deputy CTO previously led technology.
- York Space Systems: U.S. satellite manufacturer producing standardized S-Class bus platforms for government and commercial constellations at high-volume production rates. Closest U.S. analogue to Aerospacelab's VSP-plus-Megafactory mass-manufacturing thesis.
- AAC Clyde Space: European small-satellite manufacturer and constellation operator with a standardized platform portfolio serving commercial and institutional customers. Comparable in scale, mission range, and vertical integration approach for small LEO platforms.
- Planet Labs: U.S. Earth-observation constellation operator that also designs and manufactures its Dove and SuperDove satellites in-house. Comparable vertically integrated model spanning satellite manufacturing, constellation operations, and Mission-as-a-Service data delivery.
- SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd): UK-based small-satellite manufacturer with heritage in institutional EO and communications constellations, owned by Airbus. Comparable in mission profile (EO + telecom small sats) and as a competing European satellite prime.
Emerging players
- EnduroSat: Bulgarian small-satellite manufacturer and mission-as-a-service provider targeting constellation customers with modular CubeSat and microsat platforms. Comparable Mission-as-a-Service model and European institutional customer base.
- ICEYE: Finnish SAR-focused satellite manufacturer and operator building a commercial persistent-monitoring constellation. Overlaps with Aerospacelab on SAR payload manufacturing and sovereign-defence customer relationships.
Broad incumbents
- Airbus Defence and Space: European aerospace prime offering spacecraft manufacturing, payload integration, and constellation services across commercial and institutional segments. Direct competitor for IRIS2 and the benchmark sovereign supplier Aerospacelab positions against.
- Thales Alenia Space: European-Joint-venture satellite manufacturer delivering LEO, MEO, and GEO platforms plus payloads for telecom, EO, and navigation. Major incumbent that defines the competitive ceiling on EU institutional tenders Aerospacelab targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Aerospacelab social profiles
Digital presenceAerospacelab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aerospacelab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Aerospacelab subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Aerospacelab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors12 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aerospacelab M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aerospacelab
What does Aerospacelab do?
Aerospacelab designs, manufactures, and operates satellite platforms and payloads for Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, and radio frequency sensing applications. The company sells its proprietary Versatile Satellite Platform (VSP) family of modular satellite buses along with integrated payloads, plus a Mission-as-a-Service offering where it operates the space and ground segment to deliver imagery and data products to customers. Solutions span from single in-orbit demonstrations to full constellation deployments, with 90% vertical integration from hardware to software.
Is Aerospacelab a public or private company?
Aerospacelab is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Aerospacelab founded?
Aerospacelab was founded in 2018. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Aerospacelab based?
Aerospacelab is headquartered in Mont-saint-guibert, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does Aerospacelab make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Satellite Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are mission-as-a-Service, payload Integration and satellite Operations.
Who are Aerospacelab's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OHB System, Terran Orbital, York Space Systems, AAC Clyde Space, Planet Labs and SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd). Emerging players are EnduroSat and ICEYE. Broad incumbents are Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space.
Does Aerospacelab have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aerospacelab.
What industry is Aerospacelab in?
Aerospacelab's product category is Satellite Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial), with a secondary code of IMABACAK, Spacecraft Integration, Assembly & Test (IAT). Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.