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Aalborg University Invest DKK 530 million in new powerhouse for space technology
Published online: 20.10.2025
Aalborg University is building some of Europe’s most advanced facilities for research and education in space technologies.
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Aalborg University Invest DKK 530 million in new powerhouse for space technology
By Kim Rathcke Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: Colourbox
Denmark has no launch pads for large rockets. We do not conduct manned missions to the Moon. But Denmark delivers some of the world’s finest research in space technology and satellites.
Now Aalborg University (AAU) will invest DKK 530 million in new facilities designed to secure Denmark’s position in the field for decades to come. “This is a very large investment. We are doing it to ensure that space technology research in Denmark continues to be world-class,” says Per Michael Johansen, Rector of Aalborg University.
In 2026, the university will break ground on the Tech Lab, a new building costing DKK 80 million. Here, researchers and students will gain access to modern workshops, offices, and laboratories. At the same time, renovation and transformation will begin on existing buildings currently used primarily for education and research in space technologies. Together, the 19,000 square metres will form an inspiring research and teaching environment, among the most advanced in Europe.
The new Tech Lab is expected to be completed in 2028. In addition to areas dedicated to space technology, there will also be facilities for closely related fields such as robotics, as well as a flight yard for drones. Renovation of the existing buildings is scheduled to conclude in 2029.
The projects are partly financed by AAU, UNILAB funds, and the Danish Building and Property Agency, which serves as the developer.
A nanosatellite has grown into 40 companies
Space research at AAU truly took off in the 1990s, and in 2003 students launched a nanosatellite into orbit. Since then, the university has produced some of the world’s most cited researchers in areas such as satellites. Several companies have spun out of Aalborg University, and a new report from IRIS Group shows that the North Jutland space industry today comprises a cluster of around 40 space technology companies employing more than 1,100 people.
This comes at a time when global demand for space technology is expected to grow enormously in the coming years. An analysis conducted in 2024 by McKinsey for the World Economic Forum predicts that industries related to space technology will reach an astronomical USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. Today, the figure stands at USD 630 billion.
“AAU works closely with Danish and international partners and space agencies such as ESA. With the cluster of space companies, North Jutland is on its way to becoming a European hub for nano- and microsatellites. That is the position we want to strengthen with the new facilities,” says Per Michael Johansen.
Opening of new Space Tech Center
At the same time, AAU is strengthening research in space technologies through the Space Tech Center.
In the new Space Tech Center, the university will bring together several fields and experts in satellite technology, robotics, and space communication technologies.
The aim is to create more targeted education, research, and innovation in the field, matching the strong and growing global interest in space technology.
The Space Tech Center will open in 2026.
FACT BOX: From antennas to space research
The use of mobile phones exploded in the 1990s and early 2000s. North Jutland and Aalborg University became a global powerhouse for antenna research, attracting tech giants such as Motorola, Samsung and Intel. Antennas marked the beginning of a strong focus on space technology research, enabling AAU students to be the first in Denmark to launch a nanosatellite into orbit in 2003.
Today, Aalborg University has some of Europe’s most cited researchers in space technology such as satellites, and a cluster of around 40 companies has emerged, employing more than 1,100 staff. North Jutland is developing into a European hub for space technology, with a particular focus on research, innovation, production and export within micro- and nanosatellites.
TIMELINE: The North Jutland space cluster
1999: Denmark’s first satellite – the Ørsted satellite – is launched.
2003: The first student-built satellite (AAU CubeSat1) is launched.
2007: GomSpace is founded – the first space company in North Jutland.
2014: The first of several major grants from the Innovation Fund for technology development in microsatellites.
2017: Space Inventor is founded.
2018: The world’s largest antenna laboratory opens at AAU.
2020: ESA BIC Denmark is established – the national incubation programme for space start-ups.
2024: The cluster collaboration is formalised in “Space Connect North”.
2026: AAU opens the Space Tech Center.
2026–2029: AAU Tech Lab and renovation.
Project 1: Extensive renovation of existing buildings
Main contractor: HOFFMANN
Architect: H+ Arkitekter
Engineer: ARTELIA
Total area: 16,500 m²
Budget: DKK 450 million
Construction period: 2026–2029
Extensive renovation of the current buildings with laboratories, offices, teaching rooms and group rooms. The aim is to create some of the most modern and advanced facilities of their kind in Europe. The renovation will not only upgrade the physical framework but also ensure flexible and future-proof environments for research, teaching and collaboration.
Project 2: New AAU TECH Lab – pioneering facilities for research and innovation
Main contractor: Arne Andersen Vrå A/S
Architect: Arkitema
Engineer: COWI A/S
Area: 1,650 m²
Construction cost: approx. DKK 80 million
Construction start: Expected early December 2026
Handover: January 2028
The AAU TECH Lab will primarily be fitted with laboratories and a hall of around 400 m², offering flexible layouts for research projects. The building’s second section will house a teaching laboratory for students as well as a workshop area (Makerspace) with a variety of workshops available to students and researchers. In addition, there will be office and workshop facilities for technicians, communal areas with seating and drop-down workstations, as well as an outdoor fenced area of approx. 600 m² (Flight Yard) for drone flying, robotics activities and outdoor use.
The Danish Building and Property Agency is the developer for both projects.