SES launches construction of satellite manufacturing plant in Luxembourg, opening scheduled for 2028
The Luxembourg-based satellite operator has initiated construction of a satellite manufacturing facility in Kockelscheuer, a milestone presented by the group as a key step in its vertical integration strategy.
The project is part of Luxembourg's effort to build a dedicated space campus for the New Space sector.
A facility focused on vertical integration
SES announced on September 24, 2026 that it has begun construction of a new satellite manufacturing plant in Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg. The group describes this operation as a step in its vertical integration and the evolution of its business model.
The facility is intended to strengthen the company's capacity to design, develop and manufacture satellite technologies, and accelerate the deployment of next-generation satellite networks as well as secure communications solutions. It also aims to establish an innovation hub open to partners and the ecosystem.
According to Adel Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of SES, the ambition is to create a center dedicated to the development, manufacturing and engineering of advanced space systems, enabling faster development cycles. He clarified that this step builds on progress already achieved with the company's pilot production line and research and development facility.
Opening planned for 2028 and support for MEO programs
The facility, covering 16,000 m², is being developed in collaboration with partners CDCL Group and Poudrerie de Luxembourg (ParcLuxite). It will include engineering, manufacturing and testing spaces, offices and support infrastructure, with opening expected in 2028. The project's capital expenditure is covered by SES's CapEx guidance.
The facility will support the development of SES's future MEO network, meoSphere, leveraging its medium Earth orbit positioning and the second-generation O3b mPOWER program. It will also contribute to the European IRIS² program through the development of payloads as well as satellite assembly, integration and testing.
The project is part of Luxembourg's initiative to develop a dedicated space campus, designed to stimulate New Space companies and foster industrial collaboration.
