Archive for category: News

As 2025 begins, we are pleased to share the strategic plan for the year, outlining key activities and milestones for the Globally Competitive Space Systems (GCSS) Partnership and SPACE AISBL. This year promises to be another pivotal chapter as we continue our efforts to support and strengthen Europe’s space competitiveness.

Key Activities and Milestones in 2025

1. Spring Outreach Event
   Kicking off the year’s activities, an in-person outreach event in spring 2025 will bring together stakeholders from across the European space sector. This gathering will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships, and celebrating the achievements and opportunities shaping the sector.
2. Workshops and Engagement Activities
   Throughout the year, we will host workshops and other interactive engagements. These events aim to equip stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to meaningfully contribute to the Partnership’s objectives.
3. Consultations in October
   A highlight of the annual calendar, the consultations in October 2025 will offer stakeholders an essential opportunity to shape the strategic priorities of the GCSS Partnership.
4. Release of New Reports
   Several key reports and updates will be published during the year, providing stakeholders with critical insights into the evolving research and innovation landscape.

Focused Areas of Activity

In 2025, the GCSS Partnership will concentrate its efforts on:

• Advancing contributions to the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation (R&I) strategy.
• Updating the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) to reflect emerging priorities.
• Monitoring and supporting partnership projects to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

A Commitment to Collaboration

The planned activities for 2025—ranging from the spring outreach event to workshops, consultations, and reports—underscore the GCSS Partnership’s commitment to fostering dialogue and driving impactful results. With collaboration as a cornerstone, 2025 will be a transformative year, focused on reinforcing Europe’s leadership in space innovation and competitiveness.

Stay Informed

We encourage you to stay engaged by visiting our News and Events section on the SPACE AISBL website, where updates about the spring outreach event, consultation schedules, and new reports will be published regularly.

Join us in shaping a successful year ahead for the European space community. For more updates, explore www.space-aisbl.org.

As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on a year of significant progress and strategic achievements for SPACE AISBL and its partners. This year has been pivotal in laying the groundwork for a more competitive and innovative European space sector.

Key Achievements of 2024

Launch of the GCSS Partnership

One of the most important milestones of the year was the formal launch of the Globally Competitive Space Solutions (GCSS) Partnership. This was marked by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, solidifying a shared commitment among stakeholders to drive innovation in three key areas: Earth Observation, Telecommunications, and New Space Transportation Systems. This formalised collaboration underscores a collective effort to develop technologies and solutions that meet Europe’s strategic objectives while ensuring global competitiveness in the rapidly evolving space sector.

Stakeholder Consultations

Stakeholder consultations conducted this year provided an essential platform for discussion, collaboration, and input from across the space community. These consultations facilitated an inclusive process where diverse stakeholders—from industry, academia, and research organisations—could contribute to the development of Europe’s space research and innovation (R&I) roadmap. Through these sessions, critical challenges were identified, strategic priorities were established, and a collective vision for the future was shaped, ensuring that Europe remains aligned with emerging trends and technological advancements.

Preparation of Call Documents

Another key achievement in 2024 was the preparation and release of framing recommendations for the last HEU calls 2025, 2026, 2027 and detailed inputs to support the 2025 Calls contents elaboration. These documents are fundamental to translating strategic priorities into actionable projects by providing clear guidelines and objectives for research and innovation activities. Designed to align with the overarching goals of the GCSS Partnership, these calls aim to foster collaborative initiatives that can accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Detailed inputs for the call 2026-2027 are under preparation. Additional information on the specifics of these calls will be shared in the near future.

Establishing a Strong Digital Presence

This year, SPACE AISBL expanded its outreach by launching its LinkedIn page. This platform has become a vital tool for disseminating updates, engaging with stakeholders, and fostering dialogue within the European space community. By providing regular updates on the Association’s activities, the GCSS Partnership, and the GLOCS3 Project, the page ensures that stakeholders remain informed and connected. This digital presence reflects SPACE AISBL’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and active engagement with the broader space sector.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare to enter 2025, we are pleased to announce the imminent launch of the SPACE AISBL official website. This website will serve as a comprehensive resource for all stakeholders, offering detailed information about SPACE AISBL, the GCSS Partnership, and the GLOCS3 Project. It will provide an accessible platform for exploring the objectives, activities, and opportunities associated with our initiatives, further enhancing communication and collaboration.

Acknowledgments and Commitment

We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners, participants, and contributors who have supported SPACE AISBL’s efforts throughout 2024. Your involvement has been instrumental in driving progress and setting the stage for future achievements. Together, we are working to strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in space innovation and collaboration.

We invite you to stay connected, share your insights, and join us in shaping the future of Europe’s space sector. 2025 holds the promise of new opportunities, and we look forward to continuing this journey with your support and engagement.

The 3rd European Partnership Stakeholder Forum, held on December 4-5 in Brussels, provided a comprehensive overview of two decades of European Partnerships and explored their future potential. Organized by ERA-LEARN and the European Commission, the Forum highlighted the critical role of partnerships in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and addressing strategic challenges.

Key Insights from the Forum

1. Partnerships Drive Innovation and Competitiveness

European Partnerships have proven to be vital mechanisms for aligning strategies, pooling resources, and reducing fragmentation in research and innovation (R&I). By bringing together stakeholders across sectors, these collaborations amplify impact and enable Europe to remain competitive globally.

For our Partnership, this reinforces the need to maintain strong strategic alignment with evolving market and technology trends. A well-coordinated approach ensures that the European space sector can continue to innovate and lead in key areas such as commercial satellite communications, Earth observation, and space transportation systems.

2. Collaboration and Synergies Are Essential

The Forum emphasized the importance of creating tangible synergies, such as joint roadmaps, integrated funding mechanisms, and shared innovation platforms. Effective partnerships go beyond formal agreements—they drive real progress through coordinated actions and collective goals.

For the space sector, impactful collaborations between industry, academia, and research organizations are crucial to addressing complex, multidimensional challenges. Our focus must be on fostering these connections to accelerate innovation, create value, and strengthen the ecosystem.

3. Simplification and Flexibility Are Crucial for Success

Administrative burdens and rigid frameworks often hinder the effectiveness of partnerships. The Forum highlighted the need to streamline processes, simplify governance structures, and adopt more flexible approaches to foster innovation and enable broader participation.

For our Partnership, this means ensuring that operational frameworks are agile and inclusive, reducing barriers for smaller stakeholders while maintaining efficiency. Simplification will enable us to focus on outcomes and encourage active engagement from all participants.

How These Learnings Shape Our Work

The insights from the Forum directly influence our approach to enhancing the Partnership’s impact. We are committed to:

• Driving Innovation: By aligning strategic priorities and fostering collaboration, we aim to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions.
• Streamlining Operations: Simplified processes and agile governance will enhance efficiency and enable a broader range of stakeholders to contribute meaningfully.
• Fostering Synergies: We will prioritize collaborations that lead to joint roadmaps and integrated innovations, driving collective progress across the space sector.
• Strengthening Community Ties: Building a cohesive and inclusive community is essential to ensuring the long-term success of our Partnership.

Looking Ahead: Your Role in Shaping the Future

The Forum underscored the transformative potential of partnerships when guided by shared goals, streamlined operations, and impactful collaborations. As we move forward, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of European partnerships.

Last week, SPACE AISBL hosted two workshops, bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the European upstream space community. These sessions marked a significant step in addressing key challenges and opportunities within the sector, fostering collaboration and setting the stage for the future of European space innovation.

New Space Transportation Solutions: Advancing Access and Sustainability

The New Space Transportation Solutions workshop focused on the urgent need to enhance European access to space. With growing demand and rapidly evolving technologies, discussions centered on innovative approaches to improve efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in space transportation.

Key themes included the development of advanced propulsion systems, industrialised production methods, and digitalised operational models. Participants explored how enhanced data acquisition and management tools can optimise launch operations and strengthen safety measures, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the global space arena.

This session drew 92 participants from diverse sectors, offering a wealth of expertise to identify actionable solutions for reinforcing Europe’s autonomy in space access while prioritising sustainability and innovation.

Commercial EO/SatCom Solutions: Shaping a Digitalised Space Future

The second workshop, focused on Commercial Earth Observation (EO) and Satellite Communications (SatCom), provided a platform for in-depth discussions on Europe’s digital integration and secure communication needs.

Participants examined cutting-edge advancements in satellite systems, including seamless integration with terrestrial networks (5G/6G), enhanced cybersecurity, and modular mission architectures. The need for robust data acquisition, processing, and sharing frameworks was a recurring theme, with particular emphasis on leveraging cloud and edge computing capabilities supported by low-power AI/ML technologies.

The event also highlighted emerging technologies such as digital SAR systems, opto-mechanics, and miniaturized components, which are poised to drive innovation across EO and SatCom applications. With 98 participants from 13+ countries, the workshop underscored the importance of collaboration across academia, research organisations, and industry to develop future-ready solutions.

Why These Workshops Matter

These workshops are critical for shaping Europe’s space strategy and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global space innovation. Their importance lies in several key aspects:

• Strategic Impact: By facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, these sessions directly inform the European Commission’s space policies and strategies.
• Driving Competitiveness: The insights gathered support Europe’s leadership in the global space sector, ensuring its systems remain innovative and resilient.
• Fostering Collaboration: Bringing together representatives from industry, research, and academia, the workshops encourage partnerships to address shared challenges.
• Preparing for the Future: By focusing on emerging trends and technologies, the events equip participants with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.

 Looking Ahead

The outcomes of these workshops will directly influence the priorities of SPACE AISBL and its co-programmed Partnership with the European Commission. As we address the challenges of a dynamic space industry, your continued engagement and expertise are essential.

Join the Conversation and Stay Engaged!

The future of Europe’s space capabilities is being crafted today, and your voice can make a difference. By participating in consultations and engaging with the SPACE AISBL community, you help build a robust R&I strategy that supports a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable European space sector.

Stay connected with us here on our website and by following us on LinkedIn to receive updates, insights, and opportunities to contribute. Be part of the movement that shapes the future of space innovation in Europe.

The European space sector is at a pivotal moment. As we navigate an era of rapid innovation and growing global competition, input from the community is more critical than ever. That’s why SPACE AISBL and the Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Partnership have created consultation workshops as a platform for shaping the future of European space policy and innovation.

These workshops focus on three vital areas: Commercial SatCom, Earth Observation (EO), and New Space Transportation Systems. By bringing together voices from across the industry, academia, SMEs, and other stakeholders, these sessions aim to align priorities, tackle challenges, and uncover opportunities that benefit the entire space value chain.

Why Participate?

Participation in these consultation workshops isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility for those passionate about the future of space in Europe. Here’s what makes your contribution so valuable:

1. Shape Strategy: Your insights play a crucial role in developing a strategic plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire European space ecosystem. This ensures that our collective efforts are both innovative and impactful.
2. Direct Influence: The workshops provide a platform for you to influence the priorities and objectives of future research and innovation (R&I) programs, ensuring that European space systems remain globally competitive.
3. Build Connections: These sessions bring together key players from across the space sector, offering a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and forge collaborations that can drive forward shared goals.
4. Gather Information: Stay informed about emerging trends, groundbreaking technologies, and upcoming opportunities within the industry. These insights are invaluable for staying ahead in a fast-evolving field.

A Platform for Action

The consultation workshops are more than just discussions—they’re a chance to contribute to actionable strategies that will shape the future of the European space sector. By participating, you’re not only advocating for your interests but also contributing to the collective advancement of Europe’s space capabilities.

Learn More and Get Involved

Participation is open to all, regardless of affiliation or background. Whether you represent a large company, a small enterprise, or an academic institution, your voice is vital in this process. Further details on how to register and engage with future events will be available here.

Join the Conversation and Stay Engaged!

The future of Europe’s space capabilities is being crafted today, and your voice can make a difference. By participating in consultations and engaging with the SPACE AISBL community, you help build a robust R&I strategy that supports a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable European space sector.

Stay connected with us here on our website and by following us on LinkedIn to receive updates, insights, and opportunities to contribute. Be part of the movement that shapes the future of space innovation in Europe.

 

The Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Partnership is an initiative under the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework. Created to foster collaboration between public and private entities, this Partnership is dedicated to bolstering research and innovation (R&I) across Europe’s space sector. By concentrating resources on strategic areas of growth, the Partnership not only enhances the continent’s global competitiveness but also fortifies its leadership in the ever-evolving space industry.

What is the role of SPACE AISBL and the Partnership?

The Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Partnership is closely connected to SPACE AISBL, as the association serves as the leading entity that unites the five representative associations from the space sector to manage and coordinate the Partnership’s activities together with the European space upstream supply chain. Through SPACE AISBL, the Partnership benefits from a collaborative foundation that supports the strategic goals of advancing research and innovation in European space technologies.

Why Is the Partnership Important?

The importance of the Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions Partnership extends far beyond technological advancements. This initiative directly aligns with the EU’s broader political and societal goals, including the European Green Deal, the digital strategy, and enhancing pandemic preparedness. Through its activities, the Partnership seeks to:

1. Accelerate Innovation: By fostering close collaboration between industry players and research bodies, the initiative drives the development of pioneering technologies and attracts substantial private investments.
2. Enhance Competitiveness: The Partnership focuses on R&I within key sectors like telecommunications and Earth observation, strengthening Europe’s position in the global space market.
3. Expand Space Access: It supports the development of new, responsive space transportation solutions, reinforcing Europe’s capacity to maintain a sustainable and scalable space infrastructure.

What Are the Key Work Packages?

The Partnership is organized into six comprehensive Work Packages (WPs), each designed to deliver targeted outcomes that propel European space R&I forward:

• Contribution to the R&I Space Strategy and Work Programme:
  • This WP delivers essential strategic and programmatic inputs, aligning the Partnership’s technology roadmap with the Horizon Europe Work Programme.
• Updates of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA):
  • Ensuring the SRIA remains relevant and robust, this WP provides updates that align with evolving industry and societal needs, underpinning the EU’s Space R&I strategy.
• Partnership Projects Monitoring:
  • This WP oversees and evaluates the progress of R&I projects funded through the Partnership, gathering lessons learned and setting future milestones.
• Partnership Administration and Reporting:
  • It includes efficient management and detailed reporting of Partnership activities, promoting the technology roadmap to key institutional stakeholders.
• SPACE AISBL Setup and Operations:
  • This WP oversees the establishment and operational management of SPACE AISBL, which unifies five influential space associations to act as the main driver of the Partnership’s objectives.
• Project Management and Coordination:
  • Focused on ensuring seamless day-to-day operations, this WP handles quality control, risk assessment, and project coordination to maintain efficiency and impact.

Join and Stay Connected!

We encourage you to be a part of this transformative journey. Follow SPACE AISBL on LinkedIn for the latest updates, insights, and opportunities to engage with the broader community. Whether through active participation in consultations or sharing your perspectives, your involvement is vital to shaping the future of the European space sector. The Partnership’s consultations are more than discussions—they are opportunities to influence the strategic direction of European space policy and R&I planning for years to come. Your participation brings unique insights that can help define future roadmaps and contribute to Europe’s long-term success in the global space economy.