Space ambitions grow: Satellite station to be built in Aalborg

Aalborg University is investing DKK 18 million in a new ground station capable of communicating with satellites and space probes. It will become the largest facility of its kind in Denmark.

The new installation — featuring antennas, a data center, and a control center — will be large enough to connect to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) global network of ground stations, which is operated from the agency’s control center in Germany.

“Aalborg is on its way to becoming Denmark’s space capital. As a university, our research is among Europe’s elite. We are surrounded by a growing hub of skilled companies and start-ups that transform knowledge into concrete solutions and commercialize Danish space technology.

But until now, we have not had a ground station capable of supporting our ambitions — or Denmark’s ambitions — in space. That is about to change,” says Per Michael Johansen, Rector of Aalborg University, in a press release.

What Is a Ground Station?

A ground station is a facility on Earth equipped to send and receive signals to and from satellites, space probes, or spacecraft.

“Ground stations are absolutely crucial for carrying out our scientific missions and maximizing their value, which makes them a strategic asset. ESA is working actively to coordinate tracking resources from European partners such as Denmark in order to strengthen the infrastructure supporting both current and future missions.

We believe the upcoming ground station in Aalborg could become part of our expanded network,” says Bruno Sousa, Head of the Operations Definition and Engineering Team at ESA.

Construction of the Aalborg ground station will begin in the summer of 2026, with the first phase expected to become operational in May 2027. The final phase is scheduled for completion in 2029.

The station will consist of several components: a four-meter antenna located on Aalborg University’s campus and a six-meter antenna placed outside the campus area.

Both antennas will be protected by radomes, while the facility will also include a control center housing communication modules, data processing systems, and data storage infrastructure.

Will Receive Images from the Moon

Researchers and students at Aalborg University’s Space Tech Center will gain access to the ground station for research, student projects, teaching, and various testing activities.

Companies collaborating with the university will also be able to use the station for satellite communication and data collection.

“With a ground station, we will be able to communicate with a large number of satellites in different orbits. Overall, the station will become an important contribution to both Danish and European sovereignty in space,” says Israel Leyva Mayorga, head of the Space Tech Center at Aalborg University.

The new facility is being developed in collaboration with ESA, which in the coming years has identified a major need to expand Europe’s ground station infrastructure. The ambition is therefore for the Danish station to become part of ESA’s international network.

As a result, Denmark would also gain access to ESA’s global network of ground stations through the partnership.

“The ground station will also allow us to communicate with future Danish space missions. We will, for example, be able to receive high-resolution images and other data from the Danish Máni mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2029 to map part of the Moon,” says Israel Leyva Mayorga.

The ground station is funded through research reserve grants allocated to Aalborg University and forms part of the university’s broader strategic investment in space technology.