OHB's Hera Probe Delivers First Didymos Image as Q3 Results and a EUR 554 Million ESA Contract Loom

OHB System's Hera spacecraft has beamed back its first image of the Didymos asteroid system, a technical milestone that lands alongside a EUR 554 million European Space Agency contract and a busy autumn calendar for the Bremen-based group. All systems on the probe were successfully tested and verified, according to OHB, and the mission has completed rehearsals for its rendezvous manoeuvres and CubeSat deployment.

The detailed ESA imagery of both asteroids is scheduled for release on 25 November 2026. Before that, on 12 November 2026, OHB will publish its results for the first nine months of 2026 and hold an earnings presentation.

A EUR 554 Million Anchor Order

The Hera work sits within a broader order book. OHB System AG was awarded the ESA contract to develop the next generation of Copernicus Sentinel-3 topography satellites, a deal carrying a volume of EUR 554 million and an option for a second satellite. It is the most concrete commitment in a run of recent announcements that otherwise lean toward early-stage arrangements.

Partnerships at Different Stages of Maturity

On 28 October, OHB and Astroscale Holdings signed a memorandum of understanding to explore potential cooperation in space safety, space situational awareness and in-orbit services. No specific order was attached; the agreement covers an assessment of possible collaboration across those three areas.

A firmer step came with MediaMobil Communication GmbH, where OHB agreed a strategic partnership roughly two weeks ago. Through a capital increase, OHB is taking a 25% stake in the company — a binding equity position rather than a declaration of intent.

OHB also established OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH in Bremen together with Rheinmetall. According to Rheinmetall, the two partners each hold 50% of the joint venture.

Share Price and Management Recognition

The equity fell 3.4% on Friday, closing at EUR 192.80 to end the week's final trading session in the red. No link between the decline and the company's announcements has been established. Separately, OHB chief executive Marco Fuchs was named "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026" in the Innovation category and will represent Germany at the international competition in Monaco in 2027.