The History of SPACE AISBL and the Partnership

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SPACE AISBL was established with a vision: to unite the European upstream space community under a collective mission to enhance research and development for the competitiveness of Europe’s space sector. The journey of SPACE AISBL began with the collaborative efforts of five influential associations, each bringing a unique set of strengths and expertise to the table:

  1. Eurospace: With a legacy of fostering the growth of space activities and engaging in policy advocacy, Eurospace has long been a bridge between the space industry and key agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and national agencies like CNES (France), DLR (Germany), and ASI (Italy).
  2. SME4SPACE: Representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the space sector, SME4SPACE ensures that SMEs have a voice in European space programs and fosters collaboration to amplify their role in innovation and development.
  3. ESRE (Association of European Space Research Establishments): Formed to facilitate joint research and strengthen collaboration among research centers, ESRE has brought together expertise from across Europe to advance technology and bolster Europe’s competitive edge in space exploration.
  4. EASTRO (European Association of Space Technology Research Organisations): Originating from the EARTO Space working group, EASTRO unites RTOs that contribute a vast array of expertise—from satellite subsystems to groundbreaking quantum technologies—focused on impactful societal and economic outcomes.
  5. EASN (European Aeronautics Science Network): EASN connects academia across Europe, promoting pioneering research in aerospace. It supports knowledge transfer and the development of breakthrough technologies that push the boundaries of space exploration.

What happened so far: The Partnership Formation

The formation of SPACE AISBL culminated in an important milestone with the launch of the “Digitalisation for Commercial Space Solutions” Partnership in June 2023. This Partnership is central to aligning European efforts and resources towards bolstering the competitiveness of Europe’s space capabilities. Through its co-programmed arrangement with the European Commission, the Partnership focuses on advancing:

  • Commercial Earth Observation (EO) Solutions
  • Commercial Telecommunications Solutions
  • New Space Transportation Solutions

By encompassing both space and ground segments, this initiative ensures that Europe’s strategic goals in the space sector are pursued with an integrated and comprehensive approach. The objective is clear: to drive innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience, and maintain Europe’s leadership in the global space economy.

Why This Matters: A Unified Mission

The foundation of SPACE AISBL by these five organizations represents the convergence of industry, SMEs, research bodies, and academia. This multifaceted partnership is more than a coalition; it’s a cohesive force aimed at strategic R&D and fostering digitalization across commercial space solutions. This alignment supports Europe’s goal of advancing technology, nurturing sustainable space logistics, and addressing the challenges of an ever-evolving space landscape.

Join and Stay Connected!

As we move forward, we invite you to become part of this journey. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and opportunities to engage with the SPACE AISBL community. Stay connected to contribute to discussions, share your expertise, and be part of shaping the future of the European space sector.