EIB Fuels Belgian Space Innovation with €37.5 Million Investment in Aerospacelab

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has taken a groundbreaking step in bolstering Europe’s strategic autonomy in space by investing €37.5 million in the Belgian satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab. This financing, backed by InvestEU, positions Europe at the forefront of cutting-edge satellite technologies, combating the current American dominance in satellite communications—as characterized by operators like Starlink.

Strengthening Europe’s Space Sector

Aerospacelab stands as a beacon of innovation, aiming to revolutionize satellite manufacturing with its scalable constellation strategy. The EIB’s investment will empower the company to expand its satellite platforms, offering advanced capabilities for telecommunication and earth observation. This strategic move ensures that emerging technologies and ideas born within Europe have the support to flourish and remain within the continent.

The Venture Debt Advantage

Venture debt, the financial instrument utilized in this investment, provides Aerospacelab with flexible financing while preserving management’s ownership. This form of investment represents a significant commitment by EIB to nurture growth in Europe’s tech landscape, specifically in space technologies which have broad applications ranging from agriculture to climate monitoring.

Commitments Under the TechEU Programme

The EIB’s commitment to Aerospacelab is part of its broader TechEU Programme, which is set to commit €70 billion to support European tech champions by 2027. With a focus on high-risk, high-reward projects, the programme aims to mobilize €250 billion for innovative infrastructures and technologies, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the tech domain.

Broadening Horizons in Satellite Communications

Aerospacelab’s cutting-edge satellite deployment techniques pave the way for mass production, ensuring Europe is not just following, but leading in New Space technologies. The capability to manufacture large constellations of small satellites swiftly and efficiently positions Europe as a formidable player in this sector.

Empowering Global Market Ambitions

Benoît Deper, CEO and founder of Aerospacelab, expressed gratitude for the support from the EIB, stating that it validates their approach and empowers them to scale operations. This step is pivotal for delivering pioneering, European-made satellites to the global market, thus enhancing the continent’s economic vitality and security.

“Securing this support from the EIB is key for Aerospacelab,” Deper noted. “It not only validates our innovative modular approach to industrial satellite manufacturing but also empowers us to scale our operations and deliver European-made satellites to the global market.”

As stated in The European Sting, this investment is indicative of a larger strategy to ensure that the EU remains a leader in tech innovations, driving both economic growth and enhancing security across the region.

With this strategic investment, the EIB is not just fueling one company; it’s empowering an entire sector and reinforcing Europe’s autonomy in space.