OHB to Expand its Space Business with Multi-Million Pound UK Subsidiary

Insider Brief

• German space and technology firm OHB has launched a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom, establishing a presence in Bristol to develop innovative space products and systems for national and European markets.
• The investment, which will create up to 50 specialist jobs, aligns with OHB’s strategy to expand its collaborations with UK-based companies and institutions in the European Space Agency (ESA) ecosystem.
• The Bristol-based operation aims to enhance Europe’s sovereignty in space technology, with a focus on security-related programs and partnerships with entities such as SaxaVord Spaceport and Rocket Factory Augsburg.

German space and technology group OHB is expanding into the United Kingdom with a multi-million pound investment in a new subsidiary. The Bristol-based operation is expected to focus on developing space products and systems for national and European markets, according to OHB.

“I am truly glad that we have finally established a presence in one of Europe’s key space markets. The Bristol region, with its high-tech cluster, provides a great environment for OHB to develop innovative and competitive space products and systems from the UK for the national and European markets.” OHB CEO Marco Fuchs said in a statement.

The South West will benefit through the creation of up to 50 specialist jobs in Bristol working on satellites and exploration spacecraft, according to the UK’s Department of Business and Trade. Industry Minister Sarah Jones will announce the investment in a speech to the Farnborough International Space Show this week and is considered by the government as a “major win for the South West’s world-leading aerospace cluster, and the latest vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment.”

The move bolsters OHB’s position in the European space sector, particularly in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). UK industries have been significant players in the ESA space environment, and OHB aims to deepen its partnerships with these companies to enhance industrial cooperation, the company noted in a statement. The company sees its expansion as a step towards strengthening European sovereignty and resilience in space technologies, especially in security-related programs.

As part of NATO, Germany and the UK share strong defense ties, and OHB’s new subsidiary plans to contribute to security and defense-focused space programs. Additionally, the company aims to develop critical knowledge in various space domains and take on system-level responsibilities to enhance Europe’s technological superiority in space.

OHB’s move to the UK builds on existing partnerships such as its cooperation with SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German launch services company.

The decision to base operations in Bristol was driven by the region’s well-established high-tech ecosystem and innovation-driven environment. The West of England Combined Authority played a role in securing OHB’s investment through collaboration with Invest Bristol & Bath, Space West, the UK Space Agency, and the Department for Business and Trade.

“The arrival of such a prestigious space prime will have a profound impact on both the regional and national space ecosystem,” Space West, a regional consortium of academic and industry partners promoting growth and innovation in the space sector, noted in a statement.