Aalborg University expands space ambitions with new centre, national ground station and €70m infrastructure push

Aalborg University is fostering innovation and collaboration in satellite technology through a multidisciplinary initiative that hopes to enhance its role in Europe’s space sector

Aalborg University (AAU) is significantly scaling its role in Europe’s space ecosystem with the launch of a new multidisciplinary initiative, major infrastructure investments and the construction of Denmark’s largest satellite ground station.

The coordinated effort, anchored around the newly established AAU Space Tech Center, marks a decisive step in positioning northern Denmark as a European hub for satellite technology, space communications and related disciplines such as robotics and autonomy.

The move comes at a time when Europe is intensifying efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty in space and build resilient infrastructure for future missions.

“We did this because it’s important, it’s necessary, we are the best,” said Israel Leyva Mayorga, head of Space Tech Center and Associate Professor at AAU.

AAU Space and the Space Tech Center

At the core of the latest initiative is the establishment of the AAU Space Tech Center, which brings together research and educational activities across satellites, robotics, and space communication systems.

The Space Tech Center functions as the operational platform consolidating expertise from across the university and strengthening collaboration with industry and public authorities.

The ambition is not only to support existing research areas but to accelerate innovation and create a more coherent entry point for international partnerships.

“Space is critical infrastructure and something more,” said Mayorga, who emphasises the connection with the launch of the centre, pointing to the growing strategic importance of satellites for communications, navigation and security in both Danish and European contexts.

Denmark’s largest ground station

A central component of the expansion is a new satellite ground station, which AAU is developing with an investment of approximately DKK 18m.

The facility will be the largest of its kind in Denmark and will enable communication with satellites, space probes, and future space missions.

The ground station will include multiple antennas including 4m and 6m dishes alongside a control centre, data processing systems and storage infrastructure.

Designed to integrate with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) wider tracking infrastructure, the installation is expected to become part of a broader European network of ground stations.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first phase planned to become operational in May 2027 and full completion expected by 2029.

Beyond research, the facility will be accessible to students and industry partners, providing capabilities in satellite communication, testing, and data acquisition.

A major investment in European level facilities

The ground station forms part of a wider institutional investment of DKK 530m in new and upgraded infrastructure for space technology and related fields.

A key element is the construction of a new Tech Lab, valued at DKK 80m, alongside the renovation and transformation of existing facilities. In total, the developments will create approximately 19,000 square metres of research and teaching space.

“The combined facilities will rank among the most advanced environments in Europe for space related education, research and innovation,” said Mayorga.

The Tech Lab will provide modern workshops, laboratories, and office space, while also incorporating facilities for adjacent fields such as robotics and drone testing.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new building scheduled for completion in 2028 and the broader transformation programme extending to 2029.

Anchoring a regional space cluster

The expansion reflects both institutional ambition and broader structural developments in the Danish space sector.

Over the past two decades, AAU’s research activities have contributed to the emergence of a regional cluster of space companies, particularly focused on nano and microsatellites.

A recent IRIS Group report highlights this ecosystem as a key driver of regional growth, linking advanced research with commercial exploitation and export oriented business development.

This integration is central to AAU’s strategy: new infrastructure such as the ground station and Tech Lab is designed not only to support academic research but also to provide shared facilities for companies and collaborative projects.

Positioned in a rapidly growing global market

The timing of AAU’s expansion aligns with expectations of strong global growth in the space economy.

An analysis conducted by McKinsey for the World Economic Forum estimates that space related industries could reach a value of US $1.8tr by 2035, compared with approximately US $630bn today.

Against this backdrop, investments in capacity, infrastructure, and talent are becoming increasingly critical for securing a competitive advantage.

By integrating research, education, and industry collaboration in a single coordinated framework, AAU is seeking to position itself and Denmark more prominently within the European space landscape.

From mobile communications to space systems

AAU’s trajectory into space technology is rooted in its longstanding expertise in wireless communication. The university’s research environment emerged in the 1990s, when Aalborg became a global centre for antenna and mobile communication technologies.

This foundation proved critical as the university transitioned into space research. In 2003, students launched a nanosatellite into orbit, marking one of Denmark’s earliest entries into satellite development and helping to establish AAU as a key player in the emerging field of small satellites. [tech.aau.dk]

Since then, the university has developed internationally recognised research strengths in satellite systems and communications, while also contributing to the formation of a growing industrial ecosystem in northern Denmark.

According to an analysis by IRIS Group, the regional space cluster today comprises around 40 companies employing more than 1,100 people, underscoring the close integration between academia and industry.

This article will feature in our upcoming Space Special Focus Publication.