25.08.2025: At 7pm approximately 70 people from the Satellite Summit came to Norway Spacehub for drinks and the chance to network.

Below are some excerpts from the short speech given by Njål Tengs-Hagir:

Good evening everyone,

First of all, let me warmly welcome you — colleagues and friends from Norway, the Nordic region, across Europe, and the United States. It is truly special to gather here on Andøya, one of the most beautiful places in Norway and also a place that is becoming one of the most exciting meeting points for the future of space.

Let me say a few words about Newspace North. We are still a young company, but with a clear ambition: to be a catalyst for innovation and commercialization in aerospace, defence, and space technologies. Our mission is to create opportunities for startups, industry, and academia — and to make Andøya a true hub for international collaboration.

That is why we are proud to host this drinks reception at Norway Spacehub which will soon open for business. This is not just an office space. It is designed as a meeting place — a platform — where people can connect, collaborate, and build. With flexible facilities for, depending on configuration, about 40-80 people, it is the first true physical gateway for international actors who want to work and innovate here on Andøya.

I also want to highlight a very important step forward: our partnership with Andøya Space Education. Together, we will develop and deliver courses, training activities, hackathons, and innovation programs. These initiatives will not only strengthen the space industry, but also support defence, academia, and society — and ensure that the next generation of talent is inspired and prepared.

Tonight is also a moment to say thank you. I would like to thank Bente Tengs-Hagir and Tea Rasmussen Christiansen for all their help over the last few days and also tonight. I would also like to thank Ketil Olsen the CEO of Andøya Space for including Newspace North from day 1. Lastly I’d like to thank Ole Dokka, for his engagement, advice and support in helping us shape this journey. And to recognize Spaceport Norway, which has given visibility and momentum to our efforts, and continues to be an important bridge-builder in the space community.

So as we enjoy our bubblies, I encourage all of you to see Norway Spacehub as more than a building. It is an invitation — to connect, to innovate, and to build something together.

Because if we do this right, Andøya can become not only a Norwegian hub, but a European hub for space innovation — with global impact.

Thank you, and let’s raise a glass to the future of space on Andøya!