Space industry

Luxembourg began its space adventure in 1985 through the Société Européenne des Satellites (SES), which has today become the world leader in satellite communications.

By rejoining the European Space Agency (ESA) in June 2005, Luxembourg took an important new step in its space sector development policy. The opportunity to participate in the ESA's programmes has created new opportunities for Luxembourg businesses, by offering them an appropriate framework in which to develop their technologies, products and services.

Space strategy

The Space strategy defined by the Ministry, is updated at regular intervals. The objective of the current strategy (2023-2027) is to continue the efforts made for the development of the Luxembourg space sector as a vector for the diversification and perpetuation of the Luxembourg economy, but also as a major contributor to the sustainability of activities on Earth and by favouring a responsible approach to activities in Space.

Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA)

The space strategy is implemented by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), placed under the authority of the Ministry of the Economy.

The LSA's objective is to promote the development of the Luxembourg space industry by supporting the sector's economic growth and by creating synergies with companies and organisations outside of the space sector. The LSA equally has the mission to encourage the development of skills and expertise so as to enable the long-term development of the Luxembourg space sector. The LSA also provides its support to research and education infrastructures and promotes Luxembourg and its ecosystem internationally.

Legal framework

In 2016, the Ministry of the Economy launched the SpaceResources.Lu initiative, which aims to promote peaceful exploration and the sustainable use of space resources. Subsequently, with the law of 20 July 2017 on the exploration and use of space resources, Luxembourg was the first country in Europe and the second country in the world to create a legal framework that recognises that space resources could be appropriated.  This law also defines the rules related to the authorisation and supervision of private exploration missions and the use of space resources, to offer entrepreneurs in the sector an appropriate framework in which to conduct these types of activities.

The law of 15 December 2020 on space activities puts a legal framework in place for the authorisation and monitoring of space activities thus making it possible to manage the risks associated with space activities and the State's responsibility.

These texts help to provide a secure and attractive environment for operators, investors and entrepreneurs and are, therefore, a precious tool for the economic development of the space sector in Luxembourg.

International relations

International cooperation is an essential element of the implementation of the Luxembourg space strategy.

Monitoring and strong involvement within the steering committees of the ESA's, EU's and United Nation's programmes, are essential to guarantee an implementation in line with the country's expectations. Furthermore, Luxembourg has, from the outset, played an active part in international efforts intended to harmonise the global rules for exploration and the peaceful use of space resources.

At the same time, the country has put in place a whole series of bilateral or multilateral collaborations over the past few years.

Research and education

The European space resources innovation centre (ESRIC), the first innovation centre in the world that is dedicated to space resources, was created in 2020.

With a view to training future recruits for space sector companies, the University of Luxembourg offers a  "Master in Space Technologies and Business", as well as a "Master in Space, Communication and Media Law".

as for the LuxYGT (Young Graduate Trainee) programme, it offers young graduates the option to work at the ESA for 2 years.

Financial aid and support for businesses

For entrepreneurs within the sector Luxembourg does not only offer an appropriate legal framework, it also makes several types of aid and support available, including: 

• The acceleration programme Fit 4 Start, a part of which is dedicated specifically to start-ups in the space sector; 
• The ESRIC's incubation programme for start-ups; 
• LuxIMPULSE, which can provide financing to help established businesses in Luxembourg to market innovative ideas.

You will find all of the types of support offered by the Ministry of the Economy in the section "services to businesses".

Conclusion

Over the past few years, a number of companies working in space technologies and in particular the exploration and use of space resources have settled in Luxembourg. In 2024, the Luxembourg space ecosystem consisted of over 80 research companies and organisations, employing over 1,400 people.