Berlin is solidifying its position as a key player in the European space industry with the opening of Berlin Space Technologies’ (BST) new satellite factory in Johannisthal/Adlershof. The facility, which officially opened yesterday, February 23, 2026, represents a significant investment in Germany’s space security strategy and a commitment to building technological sovereignty, according to company officials. The opening was attended by Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, and Oliver Igel, District Mayor of Treptow-Köpenick.
The new factory is the first of its kind in Berlin, and BST is investing over €50 million to expand its production capabilities. The company, which specializes in satellites between 50 and 500 kg, has completed the first phase of construction in just six months, creating new clean rooms and five production stations. This initial phase will allow BST to manufacture up to 50 satellites per year. A second phase, slated for completion in early 2027, will increase production capacity to more than 200 satellites annually, bolstering Germany’s ability to independently develop and deploy critical space infrastructure.
A Boost for Germany’s Space Security
The expansion comes as Germany increasingly prioritizes its role in space technology and security. The factory’s development directly supports the implementation of the federal government’s space security strategy, a plan aimed at strengthening Germany’s capabilities in space-based surveillance, communication, and navigation. “Satellites are indispensable for the security of our society,” said Tom Segert, CEO of BST, in a statement. “We have built cleanrooms with five manufacturing stations at this location in half a year.”
The factory’s location in Adlershof, a well-established science and technology park, provides BST with access to a skilled workforce and a collaborative ecosystem. The Adlershof site is home to numerous research institutions and companies involved in aerospace and related fields, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing. More information about the Adlershof business park can be found on their website: https://www.adlershof.de/en.
International Collaboration and Future Expansion
During the opening ceremony, BST showcased its AFR satellite and discussed ongoing international collaborations. Senator Giffey is scheduled to travel to Bangalore, India, soon to open a Berlin representation office, where she will meet with partners at Azista Space, a company BST collaborates with. This move signals a deepening of ties between Berlin and the Indian space sector and a commitment to expanding global cooperation in space technology. Azista Space’s website can be found here: https://in.linkedin.com/company/azista-space.
The opening of the BST factory is part of a broader trend of investment in high-tech facilities in Berlin. Just last year, ASML opened a new high-tech facility at Behrens-Ufer, with Senator Giffey and Mayor Igel also in attendance. According to a report from Airport Region, the ASML facility will create 200 jobs and focus on the production and research of components for semiconductor lithography machines.
A Growing Tech Hub
Berlin’s emergence as a hub for space technology and advanced manufacturing is attracting significant investment and talent. The city’s supportive ecosystem, combined with its strategic location in Europe, makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to innovate and grow. Siemens Mobility is also relocating its Berlin Treptow branch to the Adlershof area, further demonstrating the region’s appeal to technology companies. As reported by Google News, this move will consolidate Siemens’ operations in the area.
The founders of BST – Matthias Buhl, Tom Segert, and Björn Danziger – originally met at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and established the company in 2010. Their journey from academic research to building a leading satellite manufacturer underscores the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the city’s universities.
Looking ahead, BST will continue to expand its production capacity and develop new satellite technologies. The company is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of the European space industry and contributing to Germany’s strategic goals in space. The next major milestone for BST will be the completion of the second phase of the factory expansion in early 2027, bringing the total production capacity to over 200 satellites per year.
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