OHB System

What OHB System does

OHB SE is one of the top three European space systems integrators, headquartered in Bremen, Germany. Founded in 1981 as a hydraulic repair shop and reoriented toward space in the early 1990s, the company designs, manufactures, and integrates complete satellite systems for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, reconnaissance, and exploration missions, alongside launch vehicle components (notably Ariane 6 via its wholly owned MT Aerospace AG subsidiary) and digital satellite operations services. Its three reporting segments are SPACE SYSTEMS, ACCESS TO SPACE, and DIGITAL.

The company serves almost exclusively European institutional customers, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Bundeswehr and Federal Ministry of Defence, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the UK Space Agency, the Swedish National Space Agency, and EU institutions. OHB acts as prime contractor on flagship European programs: it has delivered 34 Galileo navigation satellites, leads the LISA gravitational wave mission (€280 million contract), provides the GNC, TT&C, and EPS subsystems for ESA's Argonaut lunar lander, and is a key payload partner on the Celeste LEO PNT demonstrator. Through the OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks joint venture it is bidding for the €8–10 billion SATCOMBw Stage 4 program, and as part of the SpaceRISE consortium it participates in the €15.6 billion IRIS² secure satellite constellation (348 satellites).

Revenue is generated primarily through large, fixed-price, multi-year government contracts, complemented by recurring digital/operations services through the DIGITAL segment. FY2025 revenue reached €1.247 billion (+21% YoY) with adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 11% and an order backlog of €3.3 billion. The Fuchs family retains majority ownership following a €900 million capital increase and re-listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in June 2026, with KKR holding ~20%. The company employs over 4,000 people across Germany, Italy, the UK, and Sweden, and is pursuing AI integration through the KIRK joint venture with Helsing and a partnership with Schwarz Digits.

Name

OHB System

Legal name

OHB SE

Website

https://ohb.de

Company type

Public

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

OHB SE is a European space systems integrator headquartered in Bremen, Germany, designing and manufacturing satellites, launch vehicle components, and digital space services for ESA, European defense ministries, and national space agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Systems and Satellite Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

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), Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA)

Keywords

• Satellite systems integration
• Space mission manufacturing
• Launch vehicle components
• Military satellite communications
• Earth observation satellites

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Defense Contracts: Major source of revenue from European government defense programs including German Bundeswehr satellite communications (SATCOMBw), national military satellite programs, and NATO-related contracts. These are typically large fixed-price, long-term development and production contracts.
2. ESA and EU Space Programs: Revenue from European Space Agency programs including Galileo navigation satellites, LISA gravitational wave mission, Argonaut lunar program, and IRIS² secure satellite constellation. Project-based fixed-price contracts for satellite development and delivery.
3. Commercial Satellite Programs: Commercial customer contracts for satellite systems, constellation development, and space-based services. Includes Earth observation satellites for national agencies and commercial operators.
4. Digital/Satellite Operations Services: Recurring service revenue from satellite operations, ground segment services, and data analysis for both government and commercial customers through the DIGITAL segment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

OHB designs, manufactures, and integrates complete satellite systems for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, reconnaissance, and scientific/exploration missions, supplying them as prime contractor to ESA, the German Bundeswehr, and other European governments. Beyond satellites, the group produces launch vehicle components (notably for Ariane 6 via MT Aerospace) and provides satellite operations, ground segment, and digital data services through its ACCESS TO SPACE and DIGITAL segments.

Product overview

OHB SE is a leading European space systems provider operating three core business segments: SPACE SYSTEMS (satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, reconnaissance, and exploration), ACCESS TO SPACE (launch vehicle components via MT Aerospace including Ariane 6 production), and DIGITAL (satellite operations and downstream services). The company delivers complete mission solutions from design through integration to delivery, serving institutional customers like ESA, European governments, and commercial clients. Key programs include the Galileo navigation constellation (34 satellites delivered), IRIS² secure communications constellation (348 satellites as part of SpaceRISE consortium), Argonaut lunar lander, LISA gravitational wave mission, and SATCOMBw military communications (via OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks joint venture). OHB also holds stakes in launch vehicle ventures including Rocket Factory Augsburg (65%) and operates the European Moonport Company for lunar access infrastructure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Space Systems (Satellite Systems) Complete satellite systems for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, reconnaissance, and exploration missions, covering design, development, integration, and delivery for institutional and commercial customers. Includes flagship programs such as Galileo (34 navigation satellites delivered), PRISMA Second Generation Earth observation satellites, the Argonaut lunar lander, the LISA gravitational wave mission, and the IRIS² secure satellite constellation.
• Access to Space (Launch Vehicle Systems) Launch vehicle components and series production for the European Ariane 6 program via MT Aerospace AG (OHB's wholly-owned subsidiary), including first and second stage structures and nozzle extensions. Also supports the RFA ONE orbital launch vehicle through OHB's 65% stake in Rocket Factory Augsburg and the planned RFA TWO heavy-lift rocket. Designed to secure European sovereign access to space.
• Digital Services Satellite operations, ground segment services, data analysis, and cybersecurity services for space-based infrastructure. Includes constellation management, ground station operations, and downstream data analytics for both government and commercial customers through the DIGITAL segment and OHB Digital Connect GmbH.
• SATCOMBw Stage 4 Secure Military Satellite Communications Secure, real-time satellite communications for the German Bundeswehr across all command levels. Delivered through the OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH joint venture covering development, integration, delivery, operation, IT security, and a Cyber Operations Centre. Bid value is approximately €8–10 billion for more than 100 satellites.
• KIRK AI-Powered Orbital Reconnaissance System Software-defined satellite system with AI-powered onboard processing for tactical space-based surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. Built by a consortium including OHB, Helsing, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and Hensoldt, targeting reduced latency between data collection and target engagement with operational readiness by 2029.

Quantifiable outcome

• €1.2 billion revenue in FY2025, up 21% year-over-year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Italian Space Agency (ASI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2026Italian Space Agency awarded OHB Italia (subsidiary of OHB SE) the contract for PRISMA Second Generation Earth observation mission. OHB Italia serves as prime contractor responsible for satellite system development, with Thales Alenia Space Italia providing the platform and Leonardo developing the hyperspectral instrument.
• MDA Space UKcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 July 2026OHB granted MDA Space UK a Pre-Authorization to Proceed (PATP) contract to supply LEIA LiDAR sensors for ESA's Argonaut lunar lander mission. MDA Space will deliver two flight units of its Hazard Detection and Avoidance sensor for the spacecraft's descent system, enabling autonomous hazard detection and safe lunar landing site selection regardless of lighting conditions.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2026ESA Director Laurent Jaffart visited OHB SE's headquarters to reaffirm and strengthen partnership for advancing European space resilience and security. Discussions focused on strategic programs including Galileo's continued development, IRIS² secure multi-orbital satellite constellation, optical and quantum communications, and future secure connectivity systems.
• Schwarz DigitsstrategicTechnology or Integration · 29 June 2026OHB partnered with Schwarz Digits (IT/digital division of Schwarz Gruppe) to integrate AI into satellite manufacturing. Collaboration focuses on AI-driven satellite design optimization, sensor data processing, intelligent manufacturing automation, and onboard AI systems for in-orbit data processing. Schwarz Digits is building a data center in Lübbenau for secure AI model operation.
• Rheinmetall AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026OHB and Rheinmetall established joint venture OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH in Bremen for SATCOMBw Level 4 military satellite communications for the Bundeswehr. The JV handles development, integration, delivery, operation, IT security, and a Cyber Operations Centre for secure, real-time communications across all command levels.
• Thales Alenia SpacestrategicTechnology or Integration · 22 January 2026Thales Alenia Space signed €16.5 million contract with OHB System AG to provide Propulsion Subsystem for ESA's LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission. Total contract value reaches €89.5 million across Phase B2, C, and D. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for design, manufacturing, assembly, testing from UK facility, plus avionics, telecom systems, and drag-free attitude control system.
• HelsingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025OHB and Helsing established joint venture KIRK (Künstliche Intelligenz und Raumfahrt-Kompetenz) to develop space-based tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting systems. The consortium builds a software-defined satellite system with AI-powered onboard processing to radically reduce latency between data collection and target engagement.
• Kongsberg Defence & AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Kongsberg joined the KIRK consortium alongside OHB, Helsing, and Hensoldt to develop orbital reconnaissance systems using software-first, AI-enabled approach for near-real-time targeting capabilities.
• HENSOLDTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Hensoldt contributes space-qualified sensors and ground stations to the KIRK sovereign European constellation targeting operational readiness by 2029.
• MT Aerospace AGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025OHB SE acquired remaining 30% of MT Aerospace AG to become sole shareholder. MT Aerospace is the largest German supplier to the Ariane 6 program, manufacturing critical components including first and second stages and nozzle extensions. Also secured contracts for series production of flight models 16-42 of Ariane 6.
• Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025OHB holds 65% stake in Rocket Factory Augsburg. RFA is developing the RFA ONE orbital launch vehicle and received €187 million through ESA's European Launcher Challenge. Block 2 upgrade and future RFA TWO heavy-lift rocket planned.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• ICEYE: Finnish SAR satellite operator and manufacturer with rapidly expanding constellation. Competes on commercial Earth observation missions and increasingly on defense/government SAR constellations — a direct emerging competitor to OHB's Earth observation segment.
• Hensoldt: German defense sensor specialist and KIRK consortium partner with OHB. Contributes space-qualified sensors and ground stations, giving it direct overlap with OHB's reconnaissance-satellite value chain and Bundeswehr-aligned programs.
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Norwegian defense and space technology company and KIRK consortium partner alongside OHB/Helsing/Hensoldt. Active in space-based sensors and tactical surveillance — overlapping with OHB's AI-enabled reconnaissance roadmap.

Broad incumbents

• Airbus Defence and Space: Largest European space prime and OHB's principal competitor across Galileo, IRIS² (SpaceRISE consortium partner), military SATCOM, and Earth observation programs. Significantly larger revenue base and broader portfolio, but OHB competes head-to-head as a focused European alternative.
• Leonardo S.p.A. Italian defense/space conglomerate that co-owns Thales Alenia Space and is OHB's partner on the PRISMA Second Generation hyperspectral instrument. Competes on adjacent defense electronics and surveillance, with overlap in Earth observation and space-based sensing.

Direct peers

• Thales Alenia Space: Joint Thales/Leonardo venture directly competing on Galileo, IRIS², and ESA science missions. Also a subcontractor to OHB on LISA propulsion and PRISMA SG platform — a cooperative-competitive relationship reflective of the European space ecosystem.
• MT Aerospace AG: Now a 100% OHB subsidiary (acquired October 2025), previously a peer. Major Ariane 6 supplier producing first/second stage structures and nozzle extensions; demonstrates OHB's vertical integration play in the European launcher supply chain.
• MDA Space: Canadian-headquartered space technology company with strong robotics, satellite subsystems, and Earth observation capabilities. Supplies LEIA LiDAR sensors to OHB for the Argonaut lunar mission and competes on similar payload/subsystem work globally.
• Rocket Factory Augsburg: 65%-owned OHB subsidiary developing the RFA ONE smallsat launcher, recipient of €187M from the ESA European Launcher Challenge. Competes with other European microlaunchers (PLD Space, Isar Aerospace) while also being part of the OHB group.

Regional players

• SSTL (Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.): UK-based smallsat manufacturer and subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space. Competes with OHB on smallsat constellation work (e.g., EPS-Sterna-style weather missions) and benefits from UK Space Agency relationships similar to OHB's UK expansion.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments1 record

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Frequently asked questions about OHB System