DTU is strengthening Danish research in space, defence, and climate with a new research building and increased investments of around DKK 2 billion.
The investments are driven by growing demand for space technology, consulting, and satellite data—particularly in climate, security, and Arctic monitoring, where Denmark has a significant responsibility and strategic role. The investments are thus also being made in a broader national context, where the government has allocated more than 19 billion Danish kroner to research and innovation over the next four years.
"Space is hugely important for Europe's future, and our commitment in this area must reflect that. We must not sit on the sidelines and follow developments in space; we must help shape them. When DTU Space expands and invests heavily, it strengthens Europe's ability to stand on its own two feet in the space sector. This is greatly needed in the fierce global competition to develop technology and translate research into concrete solutions," says Minister for Higher Education and Science Christina Egelund.
DTU is prioritising the space and defence area, allocating approximately DKK 2 billion over a five-year period, distributed as around DKK 300 million annually and around DKK 500 million for new research infrastructure, including the new building.
“With the new research building and the total investments, DTU is strengthening its research capacity in the space sector, where advanced infrastructure is crucial for society, security, and international cooperation. DTU and Denmark are already strong in the development and application of space technology, but these additional long-term investments are important to strengthen this important area in these times," says DTU President Anders Bjarklev.
Growing international engagement
The research facilities are being expanded to accommodate DTU Space's growing national and international activities in space research, space technology, and satellite-based knowledge. The new research facility will bring together advanced laboratories and testing facilities for the institute's researchers and engineers.
“The expansion is taking place as DTU Space’s project portfolio and international engagement grow, thereby increasing our need for modern and advanced research infrastructure,” says Henning Skriver, Director of DTU Space.
DTU Space currently participates in a wide range of international space missions in close collaboration with ESA and NASA. The missions span areas such as Earth observation and climate, solar system and universe exploration, space-based security, and Arctic monitoring, and typically have time horizons of 5–10 years or more. This places high demands on stable research environments, advanced testing facilities, and long-term investments.
