Sternula - Rocket Science in Aalborg
Interview with Lars Moltsen, CEO - Sternula
Few companies can truly claim that what they do is rocket science. But for Sternula, that is quite literally the case. With its roots firmly planted in Aalborg, the company has specialised in applying rocket science to become a satellite operator - and Aalborg has proven to be exactly the right place to build a business with that focus.
As a trained computer scientist, it was not necessarily written in the stars that rocket science would become Lars Moltsen’s career path. But when he met Stefan Pielmeier in a previous job, it marked the beginning of Sternula.
- “At the time, Stefan had come close to this new technology, AIS 2.0, through his job. He approached me and asked whether I would act as a mentor for a startup. My role was to be a consultant and simply share my knowledge about starting a company,”
...explains Lars Moltsen, founder and CEO of Sternula, describing the early days of what would become Denmark’s first satellite operator based in Aalborg.
However, for Lars and Stefan, it did not stop at simply sharing or reselling knowledge about AIS 2.0. Even back then, Aalborg already had a strong focus on applied space technology, with companies such as GomSpace and Space Inventor leading the way.
Acquisition and Operations Based in Aalborg
Although rocket science may sound highly technical and complex, Lars Moltsen believes Sternula’s mission can be explained quite simply.
“AIS 2.0 is a new technology that can efficiently transmit critical navigational information to ships across the world’s oceans. None of us are space engineers, but thanks to the strong cluster of tech companies in Aalborg, we were able to build Denmark’s first commercial satellite operator. We do not manufacture the satellites - we acquire them and operate them.”
Back in 2019, Lars Moltsen estimated that there was perhaps only a one percent chance of succeeding. Stefan Pielmeier, however, insisted that they had to try. As it turned out, their timing, technology, and access to expertise in space technology and telecommunications proved to be a perfect match.
“Two and a half years ago, we launched our first satellite for demonstration purposes. We are now seeking funding for four additional satellites, as the first one burned up in the atmosphere earlier this year.”
A Shipping Company for Spacecraft
It has only been a little over a decade since satellite manufacturing truly gained momentum in Aalborg. Lars and Stefan identified a gap in the market: while satellites were being built, there was a lack of operators to run them for specific purposes such as AIS 2.0. That gap has since enabled Aalborg-based expertise in space science and maritime communication to serve global needs. At its core, Sternula is a telecommunications operator - the only difference is that its “cell towers” are in orbit.
- “The challenge is that we have many excellent tech and space companies that can build satellites, but very few that take responsibility for operating them. That is our role. You could call us a shipping company for spacecraft.”
One of the most important applications of AIS 2.0 is the transmission of navigational warnings to ships operating in remote areas that are difficult to reach from shore. Sternula is the world’s first commercial satellite operator to use AIS 2.0 to deliver global maritime data connectivity.
- “In regions such as Greenland or along the Australian coastline, it often makes little economic sense to establish coastal stations. Our satellites can reach those areas. We both receive and transmit data to ships via a highly secure connection.”
This naturally raises the question of how Aalborg can maintain its position as a hub for space clusters.
- “It requires continued support for established strengths such as GomSpace and Space Inventor, as well as newer initiatives like Space Connect North. At the same time, we must address challenges related to access to capital. We need to attract more national and international investors and position Aalborg clearly as an epicentre for satellite communication.”
Space Connect North is a relatively new Danish industry cluster and satellite hub in Northern Jutland. It brings together more than 15 companies, research institutions, and universities to strengthen the region’s position as a global centre for space technology and satellite communications. The goal is to promote innovation, business growth, and talent attraction by creating an environment where space-based technologies can be developed, tested, and commercialised.
From Sky to Sea
Although Sternula quite literally operates from sky to sea, the company remains firmly grounded in Aalborg—and for several good reasons.
- “One of the main reasons we are based here is the strong telecommunications and space clusters. Being close to them is invaluable for both recruitment and partnerships. It makes a real difference when key collaborators are located just three kilometres from our headquarters. Proximity to expertise matters. In addition, Aalborg University educates exceptionally skilled engineers, and UCN has trained many of our commercial employees.”
Somewhat paradoxically, Aalborg’s size is also an advantage.
- “When we receive visitors from, for example, Japan, the mayor is often willing to engage directly, and we have close ties with Invest in Aalborg.”
Lars Moltsen is very clear about Sternula’s ambition—and equally clear about why that ambition belongs in Aalborg.
- “Sternula aims to become the world’s leading satellite operator within AIS 2.0. It is a niche within satellite communications, and one that is perfectly suited to a Danish and Northern Danish company.”
A Pragmatic Northern Danish Mindset
For Lars Moltsen, there is no doubt that Aalborg is where Sternula should be based, even though there could be advantages to being closer to Copenhagen, particularly in terms of access to capital.
- “Even if capital had been easier to access, we would have missed the space cluster. I will always choose proximity to the right partners and competencies. I genuinely believe Sternula would never have been conceived without GomSpace and Space Inventor.”
At the time the idea for Sternula emerged, both companies were only a short bike ride away. According to Lars Moltsen, this hands-on, solution-oriented mindset is one of Aalborg’s greatest strengths.
- “People here are pragmatic and down to earth. There is always a solution - even when dealing with rocket science, which can seem overwhelming. Perhaps we are just not always very good at telling the world how good we actually are.”
Sternula employs staff from both Denmark and abroad, but the Northern Jutland approach permeates the organisation regardless of nationality.
- “We have a technically strong team. It is small, but it is the right people with the right skills. Hierarchies are flat, employees are highly self-driven, and they take responsibility for their work. They take pride in being experts in their field. That is simply part of our culture and DNA here.”
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