Space Factory Opening

24 June 2026, Schwechat, Austria – With the opening of the new Space Factory at ESA Phi-Lab Austria, Lower Austria is taking the next important step in the expansion of its Space Tech hub. The new development and testing infrastructure offers start-ups, research institutions and space companies state-of-the-art facilities for the development, prototyping and testing of space technologies.

At the same time, four additional innovative companies were welcomed to ESA Phi-Lab Austria: Confident Space, Fantana, Gebauer & Griller and tenics. They expand the existing space ecosystem with competencies in the areas of radiation monitoring, Earth observation, cable systems, and satellite software. 

"With our Economic Strategy 2030+, we are making targeted investments in those technologies that will create the jobs and value creation of tomorrow. Space technology is one of these strategic fields of the future. The new Space Factory strengthens the innovative strength of our companies and creates optimal conditions for research to become economic success," emphasized Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner. 

ESA Phi-Lab Austria was opened in 2024 as the first ESA Phi-Lab in Europe and has since developed into an important centre of excellence for the industrialisation of European space technology. The focus is on promoting innovative projects and supporting start-ups and companies in the development of new technologies.

Günther Ofner, Executive Director of Vienna Airport, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria, Michael Moll, CEO of accent Inkubator & Head of ESA Phi-Lab Austria

The new Space Factory at Vienna Airport complements the existing offering with jointly usable development and test infrastructure. The equipment includes modern 3D printing systems, electronics workstations, a climate chamber, a vacuum chamber, cleanroom workstations, and flexible workshop and collaboration areas. The aim is to shorten development times, lower entry barriers and further strengthen collaboration within the space tech ecosystem. 

"The four new space start-ups presented today complement the space hub at the airport very well, and other companies will be added. This dynamic growth confirms the strategy we have adopted. In AirportCity, we offer the ideal location where ideas, talents and companies can work together perfectly. The new Space Factory strengthens the existing innovation ecosystem at the site and creates synergies that support turning research into successful business models. Thanks to the work of ESA Phi-Lab Austria, further space tech companies can be expected to settle here shortly," emphasises Günther Ofner, Member of the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG.

With companies such as GATE Space and R-Space, which have already been supported by ESA Phi-Lab Austria and are currently preparing important demonstrations in orbit, the potential of the site is already evident today. The latest application round of ESA Phi-Lab Austria was also met with great international interest and underlines the growing importance of Lower Austria within the European space landscape. 

"The Space Factory creates exactly the infrastructure that young space companies need to develop and test their technologies. Easy access to professional development and testing opportunities means that innovations can be implemented more quickly and new collaborations can be promoted," explains Michael Moll, CEO of accent Inkubator and Head of ESA Phi-Lab Austria.

The newly added companies further expand the site's spectrum: Confident Space develops radiation monitoring systems for small satellites, Fantana is working on innovative Earth observation solutions, Gebauer & Griller develops cables and cable systems for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications, and tenics develops highly reliable software for satellite missions. 

"Our goal is to further expand Lower Austria as an international hub for space technology, high-tech start-ups and technology-driven value creation. The new Space Factory is an important milestone in this regard and strengthens the international visibility of our innovation location in the long term," Mikl-Leitner concludes. 

Confident Space Technology GmbH is a spin-out of Seibersdorf Laboratories. The company develops radiation monitoring systems for small satellites. The aim is to further develop a sensor that has already been tested in space to series production. The sensor measures the exposure of satellite electronics to cosmic radiation in real time and can provide early warning of potential failures. 

Fantana GmbH is an Austrian start-up with a new location at the Vienna Space Hub. With the WideEye project, the company is developing a compact mechatronic imaging approach for Earth observation. The combination of motion compensation, CMOS sensors and onboard processing is intended to improve the cost-effectiveness of Earth observation technologies. 

Gebauer & Griller Kabelwerke GmbH, headquartered in Poysdorf, Austria, develops cables and cable systems for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications. In the GG Goes 2Space project, manufacturing processes from the automotive industry are transferred to space applications. 2Space® cables are used, which are designed for high data rates as well as temperature resistance, vacuum compatibility and radiation resistance. The systems are subjected to extensive mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic tests. 

tenics Software Engineering GmbH was founded in Bremen in 2021 and is now also represented at the Vienna Space Hub. The company develops highly reliable flight software for satellites as well as ground software for the control and monitoring of space missions. The company’s solutions are designed for mission-critical applications and must function reliably even under extreme conditions. 

The Space Factory is supported by strong partners with highly specialised products, expertise and services. 

Biesterfeld is an international distributor of plastics, chemicals and rubber. The company supports customers in material selection, product development and process optimization. High-performance polymers, which can be used reliably even under demanding operating conditions, are particularly relevant for the space industry. 

Cleanroom Technology Austria (CTA) develops and manufactures tailor-made cleanroom solutions for research, microelectronics, aerospace and the pharmaceutical industry. The company’s services range from planning and construction to the qualification and maintenance of controlled environments. 

Pfeiffer Vacuum+Fab Solutions, part of the Busch Group, provides vacuum pumps, chambers, components and measurement technology for reliable processes in R&D and high-tech applications. 

Zambelli KG provides professional workplace solutions of the Treston brand. These include ESD work tables, ergonomic workstations and flexible material and transport systems for development and technology projects 

Together with ESA and accent, AirportCity at Vienna Airport offers the perfect setting for companies from the space industry. With its proximity to the European Space Agency's ESA Phi-Lab Austria, high-tech companies will find good opportunities to participate in international projects. Thanks to its modern infrastructure with extensive office, conferencing and commercial space, overnight and local supply capacities, excellent transport connections to the motorway, train and bus, as well as its proximity to Vienna's city centre, the airport location offers optimal conditions for companies with an international orientation. As an international transport hub, the airport enables global market access and offers innovative solutions for companies that rely on global networking and efficient logistics processes. More than 23,000 people work in around 250 companies at the airport.