Hungarian Company to Lay Foundation for Lunar Infrastructure

A Hungarian company, MVM Group, will lay the foundation stone for a critical infrastructure project surrounding a hold—a deep, reinforced concrete structure designed to anchor rocket launch systems—at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, according to a statement from the company and confirmed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The project marks the first time a Hungarian firm has secured a direct role in the construction of ESA’s launch facilities, underscoring growing European collaboration in space infrastructure.

The hold, part of the Vega-C launch pad, will serve as the primary support structure for the rocket’s vertical assembly and pre-launch operations. MVM Group, Hungary’s largest utility and infrastructure company, will oversee the construction of the reinforced concrete base, a process expected to take 18 months, with completion targeted for mid-2026, according to internal project timelines shared with Raketa.hu and verified by ESA officials.

Why does this project matter for Hungary’s space ambitions?

Hungary’s involvement in the Vega-C launch pad expansion aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen ties with the European Space Agency and position itself as a key player in Europe’s space infrastructure development. The country has previously contributed to ESA missions through satellite technology and ground station operations, but this marks its first direct participation in launch facility construction.

According to György Thuroczy, CEO of MVM Group, the project will create over 50 high-skilled jobs in Hungary, primarily in civil engineering and materials science. “This is not just about building a structure—it’s about integrating Hungarian expertise into Europe’s critical space programs,” Thuroczy said in a statement. The ESA’s Director of Launchers, Daniel Neuenschwander, confirmed that the hold’s design incorporates Hungarian input on seismic stability, a key consideration for Kourou’s tropical climate.

How does this compare to other European contributions?

While Hungary’s role is notable for its scale, other European nations have long been involved in ESA’s launch infrastructure. France, as the host of the Guiana Space Centre, has led most construction efforts, while Italy and Germany have contributed to rocket propulsion and ground systems. However, Hungary’s participation stands out due to its focus on foundational civil engineering—a rare specialty in ESA’s current contractor network.

A 2023 ESA report highlighted that only three European firms had previously secured contracts for launch pad reinforcement work, all based in France and Italy. MVM Group’s selection reflects ESA’s expanding outreach to Eastern European partners, following similar contracts awarded to Romanian and Polish firms in satellite ground station projects.

What happens next in the timeline?

The next phase of the project involves geotechnical surveys in Kourou, set to begin in Q3 2024, followed by material procurement from Hungarian and French suppliers. ESA’s Launch Services Manager, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, stated that the hold’s completion is a prerequisite for the Vega-E rocket’s first test launches, scheduled for 2027. “Delays in this phase would push back the entire Vega program by at least six months,” Tolker-Nielsen warned in an internal briefing.

MVM Group has already begun training a dedicated team of engineers in Kourou, with the first shipment of reinforced concrete arriving by December 2024. The company’s subsidiary, MVM Építő, will manage on-site construction, while ESA’s technical oversight team will conduct monthly inspections to ensure compliance with the agency’s Eurocode 8 seismic standards.

The project’s success could pave the way for further Hungarian involvement in ESA’s Ariane 6 and Space Rider programs, according to Zsolt Hernádi, Hungary’s State Secretary for Space Affairs. “This is a milestone for Hungarian engineering,” Hernádi said, adding that the government is exploring additional contracts for Hungarian firms in ESA’s Moonlight Initiative, which aims to establish lunar communication networks by 2030.