Orbital Propulsion Centre, Space engineering division in Hardthausen am Kocher, Germany
The Orbital Propulsion Centre is a division of the German Aerospace Center that develops and manufactures satellite propulsion systems. The facility produces complete thruster solutions combining multiple engines with shared fuel storage.
Ludwig Bölkow founded the facility in 1963 as a branch of Bölkow-Entwicklungs-KG, launching rocket propulsion research in Germany. Over the following decades, it grew into a leading center for space technology development.
The facility represents German engineering expertise in space technology and supports European space exploration efforts. Today, visitors can observe how this heritage continues in modern production facilities.
The site is part of the German Aerospace Center complex at Lampoldshausen and can be viewed from public roads. Tours and visits require advance booking since this is an active research and manufacturing facility.
In 2001, the facility's RIT-10 ion thruster technology saved the European Artemis satellite mission from complete failure. This achievement proved the importance of this specialized propulsion technology on the international stage.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
