Going into space: First Hungarian mass-produced satellite could be in orbit in a few years

The first Hungarian mass-produced satellite could be launched by 2027-28: there may soon come the day when the country enters the space age. The momentous news was announced by Márton Nagy, Minister of National Economy, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Hungarian space manufacturing centre.

The government-affiliated 4iG Group together with REMRED Plc. laid the foundation stone of the first Hungarian aerospace manufacturing centre in Martonvásár, in Fejér county, where the Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy spoke of the future of Hungarian space strategy, index.hu reports.

The new REMTECH factory will span a total area of 4,000 square metres with a special 1,500 square metre laboratory. Using modular technology unique in Europe, the production, assembly, and testing of low-orbit satellites weighing up to 400 kilograms will be carried out here.

The greenfield investment will be equipped with innovative and modern technologies fully up to aerospace industry standards, including a stand-alone solar farm to power the factory once it is completed.

Mass-produced satellites to be important parts of the Hungarian space strategy

Márton Nagy recalled that when the government adopted the first Hungarian Space Strategy back in 2021, many people scoffed at the plans. This new project is proof of the strategy’s success: 85 new jobs with high-added value are to be created, with the manufacturing centre also serving as the base for future innovation. In addition to international collaborations, the domestic knowledge industry and education will be linked to future projects.

As the space industry is one of the fastest growing and, according to international surveys, crisis-resistant industries in the world, the future of the sector seems to be secure in the long term. Moreover, its value is estimated to reach USD 1,800 billion by 2035, up from USD 630 billion in 2023.

The 4iG Group’s joint investment with REMRED in the mass-produced satellite industry will give Hungary a unique technological advantage in the Central and Eastern European region. The deal will strengthen Hungary’s capacity for innovative technologies, which will improve competitiveness, something that is crucial to creating a stable economic environment for the future, Nagy said.

The space industry plays a role in security policy, too

Hungary’s satellite manufacturing capability is not only important for the economy and security but it is also an issue of sovereignty, Márton Nagy and István Sárhegyi, CEO of the space and technology holding company of the 4iG Group, stressed.

They both highlighted that, in addition to the key role that the high-tech manufacturing centre would play in the Hungarian and international space industry from 2026, its technological capabilities can be a strategic element of national sovereignty and security policy.

“Our current civilization would not be sustainable without satellites,”

raketa.hu quotes an earlier statement by Sárhegyi. The CEO said that the infrastructure and knowledge the mass-produced satellite project, and on the whole, the space industry can provide to Hungary is of paramount importance. Satellite data and the critical infrastructure based on it, such as the provision of accurate and instant communication globally, are essential in the 21st century. This has been proven, for example, by the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Sárhegyi also said that in recent years, the cost of launching satellites has fallen significantly, allowing new players to enter the space industry. Indeed, smaller countries are playing an increasingly important role in the development of mass-produced satellites alongside major powers: something that provides ample opportunity for investment in Hungary.

According to Márton Nagy, the aim is to have the first satellite ready at the new centre by 2027 or 2028.

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Source: Index