A group of leading companies in Northern Denmark has officially launched a new industrial cluster, Space Connect North, aimed at strengthening the region's thriving space and satellite communication industry. These companies are already global players, actively working on projects such as delivering 5G signals from satellites directly to mobile phones, launching satellites, developing satellite communication technologies, and designing testing equipment for space missions. With the launch of this new cluster, the goal is to enhance the international competitiveness of Northern Denmark's space sector and foster further growth across the industry.
The satellite and space industry is experiencing rapid growth—not just in Northern Denmark but worldwide. To accelerate this growth and drive job creation, Space Connect North has been established. The cluster’s members include Aalborg University, Gatehouse Satcom, Sternula, Necas, Rohde & Schwarz Technology Center, Satlab, Spacecom, GOMspace, Danphone, Invest in Aalborg, Keysight Technologies, Trusted, Hytek, PRI-DANA Elektronik, Cobham Satcom, and Quadsat. Together, they aim to collaborate and expand their reach to attract more international customers and technology partnerships.
Most of these companies already have advanced technologies orbiting Earth, demonstrating their capabilities as “space-proven” industry leaders. For Gatehouse Satcom, a founding member based in Nørresundby, Denmark, the cluster is vital to amplifying the commercial momentum that the region's space companies are already experiencing.
"To my knowledge, there's no other place in Europe where so many established space and satellite companies are located in such a concentrated area. This makes Northern Denmark a natural destination for global companies seeking products, technology, or research collaborations," says Kenney Schmidt Christiansen, CEO of Gatehouse Satcom.
Academic Collaboration for Innovation
Aalborg University, another founding partner, sees the cluster as an opportunity to link academia and industry. Professor Petar Popovski, a global authority in communication technology, emphasizes the benefits:
"Aalborg University educates a significant number of students with competencies relevant to the space and satellite industry. Through this cluster, we can align research and education with industry demands and involve businesses in shaping our research agenda. Additionally, the cluster will attract more space-focused students to the region," says Popovski. Earlier this year, he received DKK 60 million from the Danish National Research Foundation to establish a Center of Excellence in quantum communication technology.
Strengthening Denmark's Space Ecosystem
For global players like Rohde & Schwarz, the world’s second-largest satellite testing company, the cluster presents an excellent opportunity to deepen collaboration and enhance the industry’s strengths.
"Northern Denmark’s space companies are already significant players in the global market. However, the industry is evolving rapidly, and the cluster will facilitate knowledge-sharing, cross-industry collaboration, and further strengthen the region's leadership in space technology," says Kristian Sørensen, Technical Director at Rohde & Schwarz Technology Center in Aalborg.
Talent Attraction and Job Creation
A key benefit of Space Connect North is the establishment of a centralized job portal for member companies.
"While Aalborg University produces excellent talent, we also need to attract highly skilled professionals from across Denmark and the world. Our shared job portal will give potential employees confidence that they are joining not just one company but an entire ecosystem of exciting opportunities," explains Claus Svendsen, HR Director at Gatehouse Satcom.