Rohde & Schwarz has acquired a stake in Orbint GmbH, a spin-off from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich—the two companies will combine their expertise in the field of satellite based signal intelligence, strengthening the long-term, technological sovereignty and security of Germany and Europe in space.
Rohde & Schwarz is expanding the firm’s broad portfolio of electromagnetic spectrum reconnaissance solutions to include space with its investment in Orbint GmbH., which was founded in 2025 by four University of the Bundeswehr Munich research assistants: Alexander Schmidt, Simon Heine, Daniel Weinzierl and Winfried Stock. The startup is setting new technological standards with its approach to satellite based signal intelligence reconnaissance. Using a distributed satellite network, a wide variety of signals can be detected, identified and located in near real time. The data is processed directly on board the satellite.
Orbint emerged as a spin-off from the SeRANIS small satellite mission funded by dtec.bw. This mission provides an orbiting multifunctional experimental laboratory, which among other things includes space based communications and reconnaissance technologies.
The founders of Orbint selected Rohde & Schwarz as a strategic investor. Both firms agree that accelerating the transition from basic research to practical application is essential, especially for security-related technologies and key capabilities
Alexander Schmidt, co-founder and co-managing director of Orbint GmbH, said, “It was important for us to find a partner who would not only contribute capital, but also create real added value with their technological depth, substantive expertise and market proximity. Rohde & Schwarz has a broad technological base and strong interfaces in all domains. Combined with our aerospace activities, this creates new potential for innovation and operational excellence. We are very much looking forward to our future collaboration as partners and to our shared vision. At the same time, we are grateful for the excellent startup environment and the tremendous support we have received from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, which has mentored and shaped our journey from the very beginning.“
Alexander Orellano, Executive Vice President Technology Systems and member of Corporate Management at Rohde & Schwarz, said, “In the current geopolitical security situation, space-based signal intelligence is a key capability for Europe. With Orbint, we are gaining a highly specialized partner whose expertise and strength in innovation consistently complement our own. As an established technology company, we’ve made a conscious decision to collaborate with a startup. We’re convinced that this type of collaboration can accelerate the development of advanced defense and aerospace technologies.”