Raumfahrt+Astronomie-Blog von CENAP - Blog: Raumfahrt - Astrobotic Partners with Andøya Space to Test Lunar Lander Tech in Norway

US-based lunar logistics company Astrobotic and Norwegian spaceport operator Andøya Space have signed a term sheet outlining the framework for a Launch Site Agreement. The agreement, once finalized, will facilitate flights of Astrobotic’s Xodiac lander testbed from the Andøya Space facilities.

The Xodiac vertical takeoff, vertical landing rocket was initially developed by Masten Space Systems to simulate landing on the Moon and Mars. When Masten filed for bankruptcy in 2022, Astrobotic acquired its intellectual property and assets, including the Xodiac vehicle, and absorbed Masten’s staff into its newly established Propulsion and Test Department.

On 4 September 2025, Andøya Space announced that in August, it had signed a term sheet with Astrobotic for a Launch Site Agreement. Beginning in 2026, the deal would see Astrobotic conduct “several” Xodiac flight campaigns from Andøya Space facilities on the Norwegian coast.

The test campaigns conducted in Norway will be used to validate flight systems and hardware, with the aim of reducing risk and advancing the development of key technologies for terrestrial and space applications.

“Xodiac’s presence at Andøya represents a meaningful step toward delivering reliable, rapid, and cost-effective testing and demonstration capabilities to the European space market,” said Astrobotic CEO John Thornton. “By making a flight-proven, reusable rocket available to commercial and government partners, we’re enabling customers to accelerate the development of space systems in a dedicated environment built for innovation.”

In January 2025, Norway and the United States formalized a Technology Safeguards Agreement that established a legal and technical framework to facilitate the export of commercial launch vehicles and satellites to Norway for launch from Andøya Space facilities. Astrobotic’s plan to utilize Andøya Space facilities for flights of its Xodiac vehicle appears to be the first practical use of this framework.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – ANDENES, Norway – September 4, 2025 – Andøya Space and Astrobotic Technology, Inc. are pleased to announce the signing of a Term Sheet for a Launch Site Agreement. This agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing commercial space capabilities in Europe, with Astrobotic utilizing Andøya Space as a launch and landing site for its Xodiac reusable rocket campaigns. Xodiac simulates lunar and planetary landings, tests flight systems and hardware in the loop, retires risk, and advances technology readiness for terrestrial and space applications.

Key Points of the Term Sheet:

Prospective Partnership Scope:
- Astrobotic will perform their initial European Xodiac launch campaign operations from Andøya Space starting in 2026.
- Andøya Space will provide various services, including ground operations, flight preparation, and infrastructure support.
Security and Compliance:
- A comprehensive security concept will be established to meet regulatory requirements.
- Both parties will ensure compliance with applicable laws, the U.S.–Norway Technology Safeguard Agreement, Andøya Space governing documents, and Astrobotic’s security management policies.

Strategic Importance: This partnership is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the strategic space infrastructure in Europe. The collaboration aims to provide increased responsiveness and faster deployment of new capabilities, benefiting both commercial and governmental stakeholders.

Conclusion: The Term Sheet between Andøya Space and Astrobotic marks a significant milestone in transforming Andøya Space into a state-of-the-art facility for commercial space operations. Both parties are committed to working together to offer these services to customers based on commercial conditions, ensuring the successful execution of launch campaigns.

Editorial: First Reusable US Launcher to Continental Europe

In a groundbreaking development for the European space industry, Andøya Space and Astrobotic Technology, Inc. have signed a landmark Term Sheet for a Launch Site Agreement. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing commercial space capabilities in Europe, with Astrobotic utilizing Andøya Space as one of its launch and landing sites for its Xodiac reusable rocket campaigns starting in 2026.

The Term Sheet, signed in August 2025, outlines the main terms of the Launch Site Agreement that the parties intend to enter. Andøya Space has developed a state-of-the-art launch site at Andøya, Norway, and Astrobotic is committed to becoming a key partner, using Andøya Space for several of its Xodiac campaigns from Continental Europe. Astrobotic plans to perform their initial European launch campaign operations from Andøya Space starting in 2026.

This partnership is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the strategic space infrastructure in Europe. The collaboration aims to provide strategic autonomy, increased responsiveness, and faster deployment of new capabilities, benefiting both commercial and government stakeholders.

Troels Sandreid, President of Andøya Spaceport, said, “Partnering with Astrobotic brings launch reusability to Andøya for the first time, through reusable rocket operations, further establishing our spaceport as a key European site for innovative commercial space operations.”

“Xodiac’s presence at Andøya represents a meaningful step toward delivering reliable, rapid, and cost-effective testing and demonstration capabilities to the European space market,” said John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO. “By making a flight-proven, reusable rocket available to commercial and government partners, we’re enabling customers to accelerate the development of space systems in a dedicated environment built for innovation. We’re deploying the next generation of space systems that will take humanity further than ever before.”

Security and compliance are paramount in this partnership. A comprehensive security concept will be established to meet regulatory requirements, and both parties will ensure compliance with applicable laws, the Technical Safeguard Agreement, and Andøya Space governing documents. This commitment to security and compliance underscores the importance of maintaining the highest standards in space operations.