The Franconian motion technology company Schaeffler AG and Spire Global, a leading global provider of satellite data, analysis and reconnaissance, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop subsystems for space hardware, satellite platforms and advanced high-frequency and environmental sensor technology.

The partnership combines Schaeffler’s precision engineering and manufacturing know-how with Spire’s proven expertise in satellite platforms and extensive experience in the aerospace sector to set a new standard for the European space industry. The companies intend to establish an independent European business unit for space hardware and missions by the end of this decade – industrialised in Germany, tested in orbit and deployable on a large scale for missions in the fields of defence, weather, civil security and critical infrastructure.

The collaboration will initially focus on securing and scaling supply chains for critical satellite subsystems. In parallel, the companies will explore ways to industrialise satellite buses for independent constellation programmes, with Schaeffler taking the lead in scaling up precision manufacturing and Spire contributing platform architecture, on-board software and operational expertise.

As part of its “Strategic Ambition 2035”, Schaeffler has defined the aerospace and defence sectors as strategic growth areas and brings to the partnership decades of experience in the automotive and industrial sectors, manufacturing excellence, and established relationships with European defence industry customers and government clients. Since 2013, Spire has developed, built and launched more than 240 satellites as part of over 40 rocket launches. Spire currently has the capacity to manufacture between 300 and 400 satellites per year at sites in the United States and Europe. These manufacturing capabilities across two continents are a key differentiator compared with other commercial providers of satellite data, analysis and reconnaissance.

“We share a long-term vision with Schaeffler for an independent European space industry that is developed, built and operated within Europe itself,” said Theresa Condor, CEO of Spire Global. “This is a significant step towards enabling critical dual-use missions and a more independent, reliable European industrial base capable of achieving the speed and scale required by modern space missions.”

“As a Motion Technology Company, Schaeffler is ideally positioned to enter the New Space sector. We recognise a strong industrial rationale at the heart of this collaboration. With our many years of experience in precision manufacturing, motor and bearing technologies, as well as our expertise in power electronics, Schaeffler offers the growing European satellite industry exactly what it needs in terms of space-qualified hardware on an industrial scale,” said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler. “Thanks to our industrial expertise, Schaeffler can chart a similar course in the European market with Spire as a partner for space technology and as a mission enabler.”

The collaboration aims to accelerate Schaeffler’s entry into the space sector whilst consolidating Spire’s presence in Germany. In May 2025, Spire opened a satellite production facility in Munich – building on this, Spire is expanding its European production presence through the collaboration with Schaeffler and gaining access to national defence clients and government contractors across the continent.

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