MBRYONICS, a Galway-based leader in photonic satellite optical communications network, has today (Thursday ) announced the creation of 125 new jobs over the next two years at their new Photon-1 volume manufacturing facility in Dangan.
The announcement this morning marked a major step forward in the space-tech firm’s ambitions to deliver “internet in space” and strengthen Ireland’s role in the global space economy. MBRYONICS currently has a headcount of 100 employees, and these new roles will be in the areas of production, engineering, sales, and marketing support.
The Photon-1 launch builds on more than a decade of collaboration between MBRYONICS, the European Space Agency (ESA ), and Ireland’s ESA Delegation. This sustained partnership has been instrumental at every stage of the company’s journey - from early research and technology funding development to scaling internationally - culminating in the company’s creation of the first volume manufacturing facility for advanced satellite optical communications technologies in Galway.
John Mackey, CEO of MBRYONICS and Galwegian, reflected on his pride at the facility.
“As a Galwegian, it is especially meaningful to see our home city become a hub for cutting-edge space technology,” he said. “Photon-1 is not just a commercial milestone for Mbryonics – it is a symbol of Ireland’s 50-year journey with ESA and our nation’s growing role in the trillion-Euro global space economy.
“Mbryonics is strategically positioned to supply the technologies, infrastructure, operations, and talent that will power this new space era. For us, Photon-1 is just the beginning – the launch pad for what comes next as we look forward to continuing to grow and scale, with our photon-2 site already secured in Shannon for high volume manufacturing with a capacity for production of more than 5,000 units a year,” Mackey continued.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said that the Photon-1 facility is a “landmark for Ireland’s space sector and a direct outcome of more than a decade of close collaboration between the company, the European Space Agency (ESA ) and Ireland’s ESA Delegation”.
“This is another great example of how partnering with ESA has enabled the development of world-leading technology here in Ireland that is now ready for large-scale production and global deployment. It demonstrates how Ireland’s membership of ESA not only drives innovation but also creates high-value jobs, boosts exports, and positions our country at the forefront of the fast-growing global space economy.
“We look forward to continuing these important partnerships between industry in Ireland and ESA,” added the Fine Gael TD.
