Andøya Space and Rheinmetall Nordic sign LOI to boost Europe’s space launch capabilities

Andøya Space and Rheinmetall Nordic have signed a letter of intent (LOI) in order to enhance mutual commercial capabilities for civil and military space operations, the two companies announced on 1 September 2025.

The partnership will look to respond to increasing security demands in Europe by rapidly deploying satellites and space assets.

Andøya Space and Rheinmetall stated that they “will be focusing on closing gaps in the satellite and launch-related value chain at Andøya, Norway”: an island off the north Norwegian coast where Andøya Space operates a rocket launch site.

While the partnership intends to provide regular commercial launch services and flexible, rapid response capabilities from the European mainland, it will also offer tactical responsive launch (TacRL) capabilities, ensuring secure and resilient operation of satellites with expedited reaction times.

“The connection between Andøya Space and Rheinmetall will be essential for upholding the strategic military and civil space infrastructure of Germany, Norway as well as of NATO member states and other strategic partner countries,” the companies stated in a joint press release. “Both companies have confirmed to ensure strategic autonomy, increased responsiveness, faster deployment of new capabilities, and operational advantages in the geopolitical climate.”

The companies added that their alignment “is an important step towards completing the Andøya space-value-chain and of developing state-of-the-art facilities and services on European soil. Andøya Space and Rheinmetall are determined to offer these services to customers for commercial conditions, ensuring the successful execution of TacRL missions and regular launch services.”

Troels Sandreid, president of Andøya Spaceport, was quoted as stating, “This Letter of Intent is a significant milestone for Andøya Space. By bundling expertise and infrastructure, we are aiming at reinforcing Europe’s ability to respond swiftly and securely to emerging civil and military space demands.”

Thomas Berge Nielsen, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic, added, “Looking at the development of European space capabilities, the collaboration with Andøya Space will be a decisive factor concerning our assortment for the civil and military sector. We are very much looking forward to working together.”