Ground Broken on Europe's Largest Satellite Manufacturing Plant

Aerospace Lab Megafactory will be Capable of Building 500 Satellites a Year

Ground has been broken in Belgium on what will become the largest satellite manufacturing facility in Europe.

“With this breakthrough, we are well on our way to address the needs of large constellations.”
Benoît Deper, Aerospacelab

In the Megafactory, Aerospacelab will manufacture 150 kg (330 pound) to 1-ton satellites, with the capacity to produce up to 500 satellites a year. With over 75,000 square feet of production area and 43,000 square feet of clean room, it will be the third largest satellite factory in the world. Since announcing the factory in 2022, the company has finalized its design plans and permits, and mobilized a base of suppliers and contractors.

During a groundbreaking ceremony on May 16, participants included esteemed stakeholders including State Secretary Thomas Dermine, Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder, Wallonia's Vice President Willy Borsus and The European Space Agency's Head of Ventures and Financing Office. The groundbreaking commences the construction of the Megafactory, which is scheduled to begin manufacturing in 2026.

"This marks not only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Aerospacelab, but sets the satellite industry on a new course in its supply base. With this breakthrough, we are well on our way to address the needs of large constellations for both commercial and government customers on a global scale," said Aerospacelab's CEO and Founder, Benoît Deper.

"This first stone is the result of over 2 years of hard structuring work with Aerospacelab. It demonstrates our willingness to take the lead to enable high-impact projects for the region. We are proud to support Aerospacelab in its ambitious mission and its Megafactory project since the very first day. This will undoubtedly propel Charleroi and the European space sector to new heights," said Grégoire Dupuis, Sambrinvest's CEO.

Since announcing the factory in 2022, the company has finalized its design plans and permits, and mobilized a base of suppliers and contractors.

(Source: Aerospacelab news release. Image provided)