Lower Austria: Pioneering work in space research started!

Lower Austria: Pioneering work in space research started!

On July 1, 2025, a delegation from the science department of the state of Lower Austria, led by Martina Höllbacher, visited the Technopoly Wiener Neustadt. This exciting excursion was accompanied by employees of the Ecoplus Technopole from Krems, Tulln, Wieselburg and Wiener Neustadt. The focus of the visit was on technical laboratories from the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences, Fotec Research and Technology Transfer GmbH and the Institute for Integrated Sensor Systems for further training. The tour of the FHWN Innovation Labs, a creative space for prototype construction and innovative developments was particularly interesting

Special attention was paid to space research. After a visit to the European Space Organization (ESA), the potential of Lower Austria became clear in this area. The stay illustrated the close linking of academic training, applied research and technological innovation at Technopol Wiener Neustadt, which is achieved not least with the support of funding from the state, the federal government and the EU. According to Today work over 40 research institutions in Lower Austria with the ESA. This cooperation is consolidated in research centers such as the European Space Research and Technology Center (Estec) in the Netherlands.

space funding in Lower Austria

Lower Austria has invested considerable 8.5 million euros in scientific projects for space technology in the past ten years. LH-Dep. Stephan Pernkopf is striving to further expand the sector and move additional ESA orders to Lower Austria. Around 20 companies in space research and aviation technology are currently active in Wiener Neustadt, which offer a total of around 1,500 jobs. The signing of the contract between Lower Austria, the ESA and the research company Fotec of the FH Wiener Neustadt shows the active and future -oriented approach in space research.

Josef Aschbacher, General Director of the ESA, emphasized the benefits of the electrical satellite drive systems from Enpulsion, a subsidiary of the Vienna Neustadt University of Applied Sciences. These systems are already used in hundreds of satellites in space. Another exciting project by the Fotec includes research on small satellites that are exposed to the nuclear oxygen near the rise. With an order volume of 250,000 euros, the project focuses on the tolerance of satellite parts and is created in a period of nine months. This shows how important the development and provision of space systems and technologies is in Austria.

promotion of space projects

according to Förderinfo supports BMWK companies, research institutions and universities in the field of space research and technology. The funding is carried out by the national program for space and innovation and includes the development of space systems, satellites as well as various technologies for geography and climate research. The above projects are national projects and also contribute to the European efforts to research space.

Overall, it turns out that Lower Austria is well positioned with its committed research activities and investments in order to become a driving force in European space research. The visited institutions and companies in Technopol Wiener Neustadt impressively show that science and research work together in an exemplary manner.