Norway and Germany are establishing a working group to strengthen their space cooperation. The working group will facilitate partnerships in areas of critical importance to European security and preparedness, such as space-based intelligence, secure satellite communications and enhancing launch capacity at Andøya Spaceport.

‘In today’s world, satellites are just as essential to society as roads, electricity and broadband. Norway and Germany have complementary capabilities in the space sector. Our cooperation strengthens our joint defence capability and will help Europe to achieve its goal of being at the forefront of the space industry,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Tour of Andøya Spaceport       

The visit to Andøya began with a meeting between Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Støre to discuss, among other things, the geopolitical situation, Ukraine and space-related activities.

Following the meeting, Mr Merz and Mr Støre were given a tour of Andøya Spaceport, a subsidiary of Andøya Space. Andøya Spaceport is the first operational orbital spaceport in continental Europe, and Norway is one of the few countries capable of launching satellites from its own territory.

Støre and Merz outdoors at Andøya.
Merz and Støre at Andøya 13 March 2026. Credit: Martin Siewartz Nielsen / Kunnskapsdepartementet

‘What is happening at Andøya Space is very impressive. Norway has ambitious plans for its space industry. Our launch capacity and geographical location in the north mean that we are well placed to work with Germany and other countries to achieve common goals in this area,’ said Mr Støre.

Mr Støre and Mr Merz were also given a tour of the site where the Germany company Isar Aerospace is building a launch vehicle. The vehicle, due to be launched between 19 March and 19 April, will be carrying a range of different satellites which will enter into Earth’s orbit. Mr Støre and Mr Merz also visited the launch pad from which the vehicle will lift off.

A space rocket in the background.
Tour of Andøya. Credit: Martin Siewartz Nielsen / Ministry of Education and Research

Roundtable      

Together with representatives of the Norwegian and German space industries, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor then participated in a roundtable meeting, where the new working group for space cooperation was discussed.

The working group will consist of relevant ministries and representatives from the Norwegian and German space industries. The group will put forward recommendations for concrete projects and possible links to EU or NATO frameworks.