NEOS Space Campus: "A State of the Art Industrial and Strategic Infrastructure in Europe"

NEOS Space Campus: "A State of the Art Industrial and Strategic Infrastructure in Europe"

On the occasion of the official groundbreaking ceremony for the NEOS Space Campus at Kockelscheuer, Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, shares the vision, technological ambitions, and economic impact of this major project for the Luxembourgish and European space sectors.

LSA: Minister, the launch of construction at Kockelscheuer marks a landmark moment for the Luxembourg space sector. Why is this campus so critical to the future of our ecosystem?

Lex Delles: The Luxembourg space sector has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years. Today, more than 80 companies and institutions are active here, employing thousands of highly skilled professionals. However, to sustain this momentum, we needed to take a major step forward in terms of infrastructure. Several companies, particularly emerging startups, faced a shortage of suitable space and state-of-the-art facilities to develop and test their technologies.

With the groundbreaking at Kockelscheuer on October 26, 2026, we are providing a concrete and ambitious response. The NEOS Space Campus will not be just a collection of office buildings, but a complete ecosystem where tomorrow's space technologies can be designed, tested, validated, and commercialized all in one location.

LSA: The project now unites its activities under the 'NEOS Space Campus' brand. What does this name symbolize, and how do the two sites at Kockelscheuer and Belval fit together?

Lex Delles: Initially unveiled in 2022, the project has now been structured around two fully complementary pillars: Belval, focused on research, innovation, and academic training, and Kockelscheuer, dedicated to industrial manufacturing, testing, and commercialization. It was essential to unite these strengths under a strong, cohesive brand.

'NEOS' carries a powerful symbolism. 'NEO' represents renewal and innovation, while 'EOS', the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology, evokes the dawn of new opportunities. Furthermore, the logo incorporates the iconic 'X' from our national brand signature 'Luxembourg. Let's make it happen', reinforcing the campus's deep roots in Grand Duchy's identity. This sends a clear message to international players: Luxembourg offers an open, interconnected, and resolutely forward-looking ecosystem.

LSA: Could you present the main building, 'Nova', and the services it will offer to companies?

Lex Delles: The 'Nova' building will serve as the core center of work and life for the Kockelscheuer site. It will offer nearly 10,000 net square meters across five floors and accommodate up to 900 people.

Nova will house the new headquarters of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) as well as a Technoport-managed incubator designed for around 20 space startups. We have also planned modular spaces for SMEs—ranging from private offices for 6 people to full 800-square-meter floor plates—along with shared spaces that foster collaboration, including a cafeteria with a terrace, a large conference room, and exhibition spaces. The goal is to establish daily synergies between startups, SMEs, and public institutions.

LSA: The centerpiece of the campus is its National Testing Centre. What makes this facility exceptional on a European scale?

Lex Delles: It is an industrial infrastructure unique in its class. The testing center will feature over 7,000 square meters of environmental testing areas designed to the highest international standards. It will be equipped with world-class facilities: Thermal Vacuum Chambers (TVAC), Reverberant Acoustic Chambers (RAC), radiofrequency and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing setups, and cleanrooms.

Specifically, the center will be able to test up to 4 satellites or heavy components weighing up to 4 tons simultaneously. Furthermore, it will enforce adequate standards to guarantee absolute confidentiality for strategic or defense projects.

These facilities will also benefit other high-tech sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, and dual-use technologies.

LSA: How is the public financial investment structured, and what is the dynamic with private investors?

Lex Delles: The National Testing Centre alone represents a public investment of over 195 million euros, including approximately 55 million euros dedicated specifically to specialized testing equipment. To manage and operate the entire campus and testing services, the State established the public limited company NEOS, 100% state-owned. Our business plan targets profitability for the operating company by 2029 through facility leasing to national and international clients.

This massive public commitment acts as a powerful catalyst for private investment. A striking example is our long-standing partner SES, which is establishing its own 11,000-square-meter satellite manufacturing facility and 5,000 square meters of office space on the campus. This proves that public infrastructure encourages global leaders to permanently anchor their high-value activities in Luxembourg.

LSA: This project also aligns with broader European security and sovereignty objectives. What role does Luxembourg aim to play?

Lex Delles: Space has become an essential pillar of European strategic sovereignty and security. Following the selection of Bettembourg to host one of the three ground control centers for the IRIS² European secure satellite constellation (together with Toulouse, France, and Fucino, Italy), the NEOS Space Campus solidifies Luxembourg's key role in secure connectivity and advanced space applications.

It is also worth noting the symbolic significance of the Kockelscheuer location. Built on the historic grounds of ParcLuxite, formerly occupied by the Poudrerie de Luxembourg (Luxembourg powder factory), the campus embodies our country's remarkable ability to reinvent itself: where explosives were manufactured at the turn of the 20th century, we will tomorrow test the next-generation of European satellites.

LSA: What is the delivery timeline for the buildings, and what is your concluding message for the space community?

Lex Delles: Construction is in full swing. The delivery of the 'Nova' building and the operational launch of the National Testing Centre are scheduled for the end of the first half of 2028.

By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, top talent, and innovation, the government is creating ideal conditions for tomorrow's space technologies to be designed and built right here in Luxembourg. The NEOS Space Campus is a direct investment in our country's competitiveness and economic future.