Austria’s Ministry of Defense has finalized plans to launch its own satellites, aiming to send them into orbit by the end of 2026 or early 2027. The larger of two planned projects is a joint initiative with the Netherlands.
The plan includes the construction of four satellites in total—three for operational use and one as a test unit. The total cost is estimated at around €10 million, with Austria contributing €6 million. The ministry highlighted that the satellites will provide significantly sharper images than conventional ones, enabling more accurate information for military missions.
LEO2VLEO Project: Flying at Low Altitudes
The joint project, named LEO2VLEO (Low Earth Orbit to Very Low Earth Orbit), will involve satellites orbiting between 200 and 500 kilometers above the Earth. It includes two components: satellite imaging and satellite-based navigation.
A second project, BEACONSAT, is entirely Austrian and is being developed by the armed forces in collaboration with civilian companies. This satellite will specialize in navigation via satellite signals. Due to its extremely compact size, the system is considered both secure and difficult to target. Costs for BEACONSAT are below €1 million, and it is currently under construction, with a planned launch also set for late 2026.
Toward Strategic Space Independence
In the long term, Austria’s military aims to independently operate its own satellite-based communication, navigation, and imaging systems to reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure. Each planned satellite is expected to remain operational for three to five years. The defense ministry also intends to launch additional satellites at regular intervals to ensure consistent orbital coverage.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) emphasized the strategic importance: “A modern and comprehensive national defense in the 21st century requires independent access to space-based infrastructure. With the construction of its own satellites, Austria will no longer be merely a user, but an active contributor and provider in orbit.”
