European Space Technology Companies

As Europe tries to improve its standing within satellite systems, launch vehicles, space exploration and communications technology, Top 10 European Space Technology Companies in 2027 are gaining more attention. Both well-established aerospace companies and new startup companies are developing products for both commercial, scientific and defence purposes. As governments and private investors invest more funds into space, European companies are trying to improve their position in the global market.

Europe’s space sector includes several companies working across rockets, satellites, space exploration and communications. These include Isar Aerospace, The Exploration Company, ICEYE, Airbus Defence and Space, SES, PLD Space, Neuraspace, Eutelsat OneWeb, MaiaSpace and Open Cosmos.

Top 10 European Space Technology Companies

1. Isar Aerospace

Country: Germany I Founded: 2018 I Headquarters: Ottobrunn, near Munich I Founders: Daniel Metzler, Josef Fleischmann and Markus Brandl I Industry: Aerospace and Space Technology

Isar Aerospace ranked No. 1 in Business Honor’s list of Top 10 European Space Technology Companies in 2027. Their flagship rocket is called Spectrum and is used to launch small and medium sized satellites to low earth orbit. In September 2026, their second launch reached orbit, deploying 5 CubeSats and a technology demonstrator.

Isar aim to increase sovereign launch capabilities within Europe. As they create their own rockets they can offer dedicated launches to satellites. Recently they raised $270m in series D funding. They have won a deal through ESA Launcher Challenge and have signed a contract with Astroscale in Japan to launch. Their first orbital launches will take place in 2028.

2. The Exploration Company

Country: Germany / France I Founded: 2021 I Headquarters: Planegg, Germany I Founder: Hélène Huby I Industry: Aerospace and Space Technology

The Exploration Company are one of the new European space startups working on creating reusable spacecraft to transport cargo. They aim to develop reusable spacecraft to deliver cargo. They are currently developing Nyx, a reusable cargo spacecraft to support future human missions.

In September 2026 they raised $450m in series C funding. They have signed a contract with ESA to design their Nyx spacecraft for the ALADDIN programme, valued at €760m. The first demonstrator capsule will be launched on an Ariane 6 rocket. Future developments include missions for Nyx, developing Storm engines and preparing for potential human missions.

3. ICEYE

Country: Finland I Founded: 2014 I Headquarters: Espoo, Finland I Founders: Rafał Modrzewski and Pekka Laurila I Industry: Aerospace, Satellite Technology and Earth Observation

ICEYE offers Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites which can image in complete darkness. This technology can be used for a variety of uses including defence, flood monitoring, wildfire and environmental monitoring. ICEYE are looking to increase their satellite manufacturing capabilities with small high resolution satellites.

To increase demand they are improving their manufacturing capabilities, and are building their global partnerships. They aim to produce 100 satellites per year by 2027. They also want to work with Arianespace for future launches.

4. Airbus Defence and Space

Country: Europe (France, Germany, Spain and UK) I Established: 2014 I Headquarters: Taufkirchen, Germany I Founders: No individual founder I Industry: Aerospace, Defence and Space Technology

Airbus Defence and Space design and manufacture satellites, spacecraft and systems for earth observation, navigation and secure communications. They offer radar imaging, satellite sensor design and digital communications. Main projects include Galileo Navigation System, Sentinels Earth Observation Satellites, Orion European Service Module and OneWeb Satellites. Also helping develop launchers with ArianeGroup and reusable rocket technology.

Recently they have been working on developing the IRIS² secure communications network in Europe, next generation OneWeb satellites and more Galileo navigation satellites. Airbus have lots of experience in the aerospace industry and manufactures a large amount of satellites.

5. SES

Country: Luxembourg I Founded: 1985 I Headquarters: Betzdorf, Luxembourg I Founder: Candace Johnson, with support from the Luxembourg government I Industry: Satellite Communications and Space Technology

SES is a satellite operator providing global high bandwidth, broadcast and secure communications solutions using a range of technologies including GEO and MEO satellites. SES’s main satellite network, O3b mPOWER, provides high-speed internet to businesses, governments, airlines and ships. The company is also involved in Europe’s IRIS² secure communications programme. It works with launch providers such as SpaceX to put its satellites into orbit.

In September 2026, SES launched the final three O3b mPOWER satellites, completing its 13-satellite network. The company is now working on its next-generation meoSphere network and expanding satellite production in Luxembourg. By combining GEO and MEO satellites, SES provides global coverage and connectivity to businesses and government customers.

6. PLD Space

Country: Spain I Founded: 2011 I Headquarters: Elche, Alicante, Spain I Founders: Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú I Industry: Aerospace and Space Technology

PLD Space designs and develops rocket engines and launch systems for small satellite missions. In October 2023 PLD Space launched their first rocket MIURA 1. Now PLD Space is working on developing their MIURA 5 2-stage reusable rocket that will launch satellites into orbit, MIURA Next rocket family and crewed LINCE capsule.

PLD Space won a contract with the European Space Agency in 2026 worth €158.9 million and a loan of €30 million from the European Investment Bank. They are due to have their first test flight in 2027. With everything being manufactured in house and their reusable rockets they are looking to provide Europe with an additional option for launching commercial satellites.

7. Neuraspace

Country: Portugal I Founded: 2020 I Headquarters: Coimbra, Portugal I Founder: Nuno Sebastião I Industry: Aerospace, Space Technology and AI

Neuraspace develop AI based software that tracks satellites and monitors space junk. The platform identifies potential collision risks and allows operators to plan avoidance maneuvers. They raised €15.6 million in 2026 to scale their technology and sensor network. In partnership with the Portuguese Air Force and NATO they are helping to make satellites safer and better monitor activity in space.

8. Eutelsat OneWeb

Country: France / United Kingdom I Founded: 2012 (OneWeb) I Headquarters: London, United Kingdom (Eutelsat Group: Paris, France) I Founder: Greg Wyler I Industry: Aerospace, Satellite Communications and Space Technology

Eutelsat OneWeb provide internet and secure communications via a combination of Low and Geo-stationary orbit satellites. OneWeb provides services to business organisations, governments, airlines and vessels across remote areas. Eutelsat are also part of the secure European satellite network ‘IRIS²’.

Eutelsat have launched new satellites to increase coverage. They have also scheduled launches with Arianespace in 2027 and 2028. Using both Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary satellites, coverage is increased providing reliable connections for business and government organisations.

9. MaiaSpace

Country: France I Founded: 2022 I Headquarters: Vernon, France I Founder: Developed from the ArianeWorks initiative by CNES and ArianeGroup I Industry: Aerospace and Space Technology

MaiaSpace is designing a re-usable rocket called Maia that will deploy small and medium-sized satellites into space using liquid oxygen and bio-methane fuels. The rocket includes a re-usable first stage with vertical landing capabilities. It is also developing the Colibri kick stage.

The company has signed launch contracts with Eutelsat, Loft Orbital and iQPS in Japan. Its first flight is planned for 2027. MaiaSpace is constructing a manufacturing site in Vernon, France. This will assist its future launches.

10. Open Cosmos

Country: United Kingdom I Founded: 2015 I Headquarters: Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK I Founders: Rafel Jordà Siquier, Jordi Barrera Ars and Aleix Megias Homar I Industry: Aerospace and Space Technology

Open Cosmos are developing and manufacturing small satellites. They deliver high quality Earth observation and communications through their OpenConstellation network which delivers satellite imagery and data to monitor environmental, infrastructure and security. They also offer AI processing of the satellite data. They are increasing their production capabilities to increase their satellite network. Their ConnectedCosmos project will create a 192 satellite network to provide secure communications.

Business Honor observes growing investment in European rockets, satellites and commercial space launches.

FAQs

Which are the top European Space Technology Companies to watch in 2027?

Isar Aerospace, The Exploration Company, ICEYE, Airbus Defence and Space, SES, PLD Space, Neuraspace, Eutelsat OneWeb, MaiaSpace and Open Cosmos are among the companies to watch.

What are European space startups focusing on?

European space startups are developing reusable rockets, small satellites, satellite communications, Earth observation systems and AI-based space technologies.

Why is satellite manufacturing important for Europe's space industry?

Satellite manufacturing helps Europe strengthen its independent space capabilities, improve communications and expand access to real-time Earth observation data.