A German industrial manufacturer and an American satellite company have announced a partnership to create space technology and satellite systems for European defense, weather monitoring, and security purposes, according to a joint announcement made Wednesday.
The collaboration between Schaeffler and the U.S.-based satellite operator Spire Global involves a memorandum of understanding to develop these technologies specifically for European applications. Both companies stated their goal is to establish an independent European space hardware and mission operation by 2030.
Spire Global, which operates satellites to deliver data analysis and software services, maintains manufacturing capabilities that allow production of 300 to 400 satellites annually through its facilities located in both the United States and Europe.
The German company, which manufactures machinery and automotive components, has identified space and defense sectors as central elements in its strategic plan extending to 2035.
“As a motion technology company, Schaeffler is ideally positioned to enter the new space sector,” CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said in the statement.
According to both companies, this alliance is designed to speed up Schaeffler’s entrance into space industry markets while simultaneously expanding Spire’s operations and influence within Germany.
