Irish companies secured a record €25.3m in ESA contracts in 2025 as Ireland commits more than €170m to European Space Agency programmes through 2030.
Ireland’s space sector recorded its strongest year to date in 2025, with 126 Irish companies engaging with the European Space Agency as the State commits more than €170m to ESA programmes through to 2030.
The Irish companies secured a record €25.3m in European Space Agency (ESA) contracts during 2025, marking another year of growth for Ireland’s space sector.
The figure surpassed the previous high of €24m recorded in 2024, according to the Space Activities in Ireland 2025 report published by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
A further €1.3m in ESA contracts was awarded to Irish research performing organisations.
The number of Irish companies engaging with ESA also increased, reaching 126 by the end of 2025. This included 15 new space-active entities.
KEY NUMBERS: Ireland’s space sector
• €25.3m in ESA contracts secured by Irish companies in 2025
• €24m previous annual record, set in 2024
• €1.3m additional ESA contracts awarded to Irish research organisations
• 126 Irish companies engaging with ESA by end-2025
• 15 new space-active Irish entities during 2025
• €170m+ Ireland committed to ESA programmes through 2030
• €40m increase in Ireland’s ESA investment
• 125 new jobs planned at MBRYONICS over two years
Editorial takeaway: Record contracts, rising company participation and €170m-plus investment point to growing commercial momentum in Ireland’s space sector.
An out of this world achievement
The results come as Ireland commits more than €170m to ESA programmes through to 2030, aimed at supporting the next stage of development for Irish businesses operating in the space sector.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD, said: “The record level of contracts secured by Irish companies in 2025 is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s growing space sector and the talent, innovation and expertise that underpin it.
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“The sector is making an increasingly important contribution to our economy, supporting high-value employment and the development of technologies with applications across multiple industries. This success reflects the capability of Irish enterprise and the important role the space sector can play in supporting future economic growth and competitiveness.”
Irish space sector hits light speed
Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail Alan Dillon, TD, who holds responsibility for Space Enterprise Policy, highlighted the growing number of companies participating in ESA programmes and Ireland’s increased investment.
“2025 was a year of significant achievement for Ireland’s space sector, with 126 Irish companies participating in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes, a record €26.7 million secured in ESA contracts, and the establishment of Ireland’s first ESA Φ-Lab. Building on this success, Ireland has increased its investment in ESA by a further €40 million, bringing our total commitment to over €170 million through to 2030 and creating new opportunities for Irish enterprise to innovate, scale and compete internationally.”
“This increased investment reflects our confidence in the capability and ambition of Irish enterprise. By strengthening our engagement with the ESA, we are helping Irish companies access new markets, develop innovative technologies and seize the opportunities emerging from the global space economy.”
The €26.7m figure cited by Dillon encompasses the €25.3m secured by Irish companies and the additional €1.3m in contracts placed with Irish research performing organisations, based on the figures provided in the report.
Galway company steps up manufacturing
Among the companies highlighted in the report is Galway-based MBRYONICS, which specialises in photonic technology and satellite optical communications.
The company opened its Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility during the year, with plans to create 125 jobs over two years across deep-tech engineering and advanced manufacturing.
MBRYONICS was also selected as part of the strategic European partnership delivering Element #2 of ESA’s HydRON programme, described in the report as the world’s first entirely optical multi-orbit transport network.
Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “2025 was a milestone year for Ireland’s space sector – a year in which Irish companies moved decisively from development into commercial delivery. MBRYONICS opened its Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Galway and was selected for the strategic European partnership delivering ESA’s HydRON programme.
“Companies like Ubotica, Réaltra, Lios and Proveye continued to demonstrate the depth of Irish capability, from onboard satellite intelligence to launcher telemetry and precision agriculture. Enterprise Ireland is proud to support these companies as they compete and collaborate on the global stage, through the work of our colleagues on the Irish Delegation to ESA, who ensure Irish priorities and enterprise opportunities are reflected in ESA’s decisions and investments.”
Irish technologies reach space and agriculture
Several other Irish businesses recorded milestones during the year.
Réaltra Space Systems Engineering delivered the payload interface unit for ESA’s PLATO mission, the first Class A deep-space instrument produced by an Irish company in 30 years. The company also supplied camera systems for Ariane 6’s fourth commercial flight of the year.
Ubotica Technologies demonstrated what the report describes as the world’s first in-orbit use of Dynamic Targeting, allowing satellites to autonomously detect and respond to changing conditions on Earth.
Celtonn secured an ESA ARTES contract to develop a 130 GHz amplifier for next-generation, 6G-capable satellite systems and was selected for the CASSINI Business Accelerator.
The report also highlights applications of space technology closer to home.
Proveye partnered with MILJO and Munster-based Howard Farms to bring its AI-driven, satellite-based precision fertiliser technology to more than 1,000 dairy and beef farmers. The technology is designed to reduce costs and emissions while increasing productivity.
Lios secured €6.25m from the European Innovation Council Accelerator to scale its SoundBounce advanced acoustic material. Co-founder Rhona Togher also received the EIC Women Innovators Prize.
Provizio completed an automotive radar algorithm designed to keep vehicle safety systems operating when satellite positioning is unavailable, including in tunnels and built-up urban areas. The achievement is described in the report as a world first.
More than €170m committed to ESA
Ireland has now committed more than €170m to ESA programmes through to 2030, including a further €40m increase in investment.
The Irish Delegation to ESA sits jointly within the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland. It represents Ireland’s strategic, policy and industrial interests across ESA programmes, including enterprise opportunities and research capabilities.
The latest results were announced as ESA marked its 50th anniversary.
FAQ: The Irish space sector
How much did Irish companies secure in ESA contracts in 2025?
Irish companies secured a record €25.3 million in European Space Agency (ESA) contracts in 2025, up from the previous high of €24 million in 2024. A further €1.3 million in ESA contracts was placed with Irish research performing organisations.
How many Irish companies are participating in ESA programmes?
The number of Irish companies engaging with ESA reached 126 by the end of 2025, including 15 new space-active entities.
How much is Ireland investing in European Space Agency programmes?
Ireland has committed more than €170 million to ESA programmes through to 2030. This includes a further €40 million increase in investment aimed at creating opportunities for Irish companies to innovate, scale and compete internationally.
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Which Irish companies were highlighted for achievements in the space sector?
The report highlighted MBRYONICS, Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, Proveye, Lios, Celtonn, Ubotica Technologies and Provizio. Their activities range from satellite optical communications and onboard satellite intelligence to precision agriculture, acoustic materials and automotive radar technology.
What did MBRYONICS achieve in 2025?
Galway-based MBRYONICS opened its Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility, with 125 new jobs to be created over two years. It was also selected as part of the strategic European partnership delivering Element #2 of ESA’s HydRON programme, described in the supplied material as the world’s first entirely optical multi-orbit transport network.
