Founding Member Spotlight: EASTRO

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We are pleased to introduce EASTRO – the European Association of Space Technology Research Organisations, a founding member of SPACE AISBL.

Established in February 2023, EASTRO was founded by 15 institutes from 11 European countries as a Belgian international non-profit association. Originating as a spin-off from the EARTO Space Working Group, EASTRO represents Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) with space activities across Europe. The association serves as a key voice for RTOs, engaging with ESA, the European Commission, and major institutional and industrial stakeholders.

With a combined 65,000 employees and an annual research budget exceeding €250M in space research and innovation, EASTRO members contribute to all areas of space innovation—ranging from advanced structures and satellite subsystems to quantum technologies and climate change analysis using remote sensing data. Their work drives technological advancements that have a lasting societal and economic impact.

Why Did EASTRO Co-Found SPACE AISBL?

By joining the GCSS Partnership, EASTRO strengthens its role in shaping Europe’s space research and innovation landscape. Key reasons for its involvement include:

  • Accelerating Innovation – Collaborating with key stakeholders to shorten the time-to-market for European space technologies and maintain global competitiveness.
  • Influencing Policy and Funding – Actively contributing to research priorities and funding allocations within Horizon Europe.
  • Enhancing Collaboration Across the Supply Chain – Facilitating synergies among industry players, RTOs, and institutions to tackle technological challenges together.

EASTRO’s commitment to collaborative innovation, strategic influence, and technological excellence reinforces the GCSS Partnership’s mission to strengthen Europe’s leadership in space.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our founding members and their contributions to the European space ecosystem.