SpaceTech made in Austria: This is where space innovation happens

Space and aerospace technologies are officially among the nine key technologies of the Austrian Industrial Strategy 2035Industrial Strategy 2035 (). As part of this, Austria will provide around 2.6 billion eurosaround 2.6 billion euros () for key future technologies till 2029. This funding budget is intended to simplify investments and speed up development processes. For businesses and entrepreneurs, this creates a hub that actively supports innovation and offers rapid access to European funding and market programmes. 

The ESA partnership and the Austrian space programme ASAP

Since Austria’s joining the ESA in 1985joining the ESA in 1985 (), companies and research institutions have specialised in highly complex components, software and services that are used internationally in missions. For the programme period 2026 to 2028, the Austria’s contribution to the ESAAustria’s contribution to the ESA () has been increased to up to 340 million euros, underlining the country’s strong involvement in European space programmes.

This commitment is complemented, among other things, by the national space programme ASAP,national space programme ASAP, () which has funded around 800 projects with a total budget of approximately 130 million euros since 2002, as well as by participation in EUMETSATEUMETSAT (), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites.

More informationMore information () on the Austrian Space Strategy 2030+ 

Enpulsion and GATE Space: Austrian propulsion systems and satellites in orbit

The dynamism of the domestic space technology sector is particularly evident in recent corporate developments. The Lower Austrian company EnpulsionEnpulsion () received growth capital of 22.5 million euros from investor Nordwind Growth in 2026. The global market leader in electric propulsion systems for microsatellites and nanosatellites is using the funding to expand internationally. More than 320 Enpulsion propulsion systems are already in orbit. 

At the same time, the startup GATE SpaceGATE Space () is preparing for the first deployment of its high-precision chemical propulsion technology in space. For February 2027, the spin-off of TU WienTU Wien () is planning a satellite launch using Austrian technologysatellite launch using Austrian technology () aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. As part of the “BEACONSATBEACONSAT ()”, a satellite is being built that marks two firsts: It is not only the largest satellite ever developed in Austria, but also the country’s first military satellite. The project, led by GATE Space, aims primarily to ensure aviation safety and to respond to jamming and spoofing attacks. 

ESA Phi-Lab Austria as a driver of innovation

The SpaceTech ClusterSpaceTech Cluster () in Vienna AirportCity presents itself as an attractive and growing hub within the ecosystem, offering ideal conditions for global collaboration and technology transfer thanks to its international connections. Alongside Enpulsion, GATE Space and the startup specialising in in-orbit demonstrations (IOB) R-SpaceR-Space (), ESA Phi-Lab AustriaESA Phi-Lab Austria () has also been based at the VIE Space Hub at Vienna International Airport since 2024.

The centre of excellence supports the industrialisation of new space technologies with a clear commercial focus; for example, it supported the development of GATE Space’s propulsion technology through to operational readiness. In addition, the ESA Phi-Lab supports projects with seed funding of between 200,000 and 500,000 eurosseed funding of between 200,000 and 500,000 euros () and offers access to infrastructure and international networks.