- Spire Global and Schaeffler are teaming up to build satellite systems and sensing technologies to boost Europe’s space capabilities
- The partnership will prioritize securing spacecraft supply chains and developing scalable satellite platforms
- Schaeffler will lead precision manufacturing efforts while Spire brings satellite design, software and operational expertise
Spire Global, a provider of satellite data, analytics and intelligence, has signed a memorandum of understanding with motion technology company Schaeffler to jointly develop spacecraft subsystems, satellite platforms and sensing technologies to support Europe’s sovereign space capabilities.
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What Areas Will Schaeffler & Spire Prioritize?
Spire said Wednesday the partnership will focus on securing and scaling spacecraft subsystem supply chains and evaluating industrialized satellite bus platforms for constellation programs. Schaeffler will handle precision manufacturing scale-up, while Spire will provide platform architecture, flight software and operational expertise. The companies said the effort will support defense, weather, civil security and critical infrastructure missions.
Why Is the Partnership Significant for Europe’s Space Industry?
The companies aim to establish a sovereign European space hardware and mission enterprise by the end of the decade, supporting broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s space-industrial capabilities.
The partnership will also support Schaeffler’s expansion into the space sector and Spire’s manufacturing growth in Europe. Spire opened a satellite manufacturing facility in Munich in May 2025 and said the collaboration will expand its access to European defense and government customers.
As part of its Strategic Ambition 2035 strategy, Schaeffler has designated the space and defense sectors as key areas for future expansion. Spire said it has deployed more than 240 satellites since 2013 and can currently produce 300 to 400 satellites each year at its manufacturing sites in Europe and the U.S.
Aside from its recent partnership with Schaeffler, Spire has continued expanding its work with European government and infrastructure customers. In 2024, the company partnered with Thales and the European Satellite Services Provider to develop a satellite-based air traffic management service and secured contracts with the European Maritime Safety Agency to support global ship-tracking operations.
