OHB SE Secures Major ESA Contract Valued at €81 Million

OHB SE secures a major ESA contract for the RAMSES mission to study asteroid Apophis during its 2029 Earth flyby, boosting total project value to ~€150 million.

European space and technology group OHB SE has been awarded a significant new contract through its Italian subsidiary, reinforcing its role in a key planetary defense mission. The agreement, signed with the European Space Agency (ESA) on February 10, is worth €81.2 million and pertains to the RAMSES (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) project.

Mission to Observe a Close Encounter

The contract award substantially increases the total project volume to approximately €150 million. The mission's objective is to study the asteroid Apophis, which is set to make an exceptionally close pass by Earth in April 2029. The RAMSES spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2028, aiming to rendezvous with the asteroid before this near-Earth flyby. Scientists will use the probe to observe how our planet's gravitational forces alter the physical characteristics and trajectory of Apophis.

This latest mandate strengthens OHB's established position as a reliable industrial partner for the ESA on complex, institutionally-funded space missions. The company's proven expertise in such specialized projects is considered a core competitive advantage.

Concurrent Operational Success

In a separate operational development, the MTG-S1 weather satellite, constructed by OHB, has commenced delivering its first atmospheric data following a successful commissioning phase. This information is vital for enhancing short-term weather forecasting models and improving the early detection of extreme weather events across Europe.

Favorable Sector Tailwinds Support Long-Term Outlook

The company's prospects are bolstered by a structurally expanding market environment. ESA member states have agreed to a significantly increased budget, planning for allocations of €22.3 billion for the 2026-2028 period. This figure represents a substantial 32 percent rise compared to the previous multi-year funding cycle.

This sustained growth in European space budgets is viewed as a positive long-term driver for specialized aerospace contractors like OHB, which are deeply embedded in institutional programs requiring high levels of technical proficiency and program management.