European Space Conference

🎉We are proud to be part of the Space Golden League, a pioneering partnership bringing together Europe's leading space events: • 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝟮𝟴-𝟮𝟵 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀) • 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 (𝟮𝟯-𝟮𝟳 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵) • 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 (𝟴-𝟵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀) • 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 (𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲) This collaboration unites key European space nations—Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy—in a shared mission to strengthen the European space economy. By combining our assets, we aim to foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and secure Europe's autonomous future in space. Stay tuned for updates on our joint initiatives and events as we work together to bring you the very best from the EU space sector.🚀 #SpaceGoldenLeague #SpaceCollaboration #EuropeanSpace #InnovationInSpaceConf #SpaceEconomy #NewSpace

👏 What an incredible journey it was! 🌌 For some, Space might be a passion, for some, it might just be work, while for others, it may be both. What is certain is that these two days we explored together the entire constellation of fascinating topics in the space domain, accompanied by an incredible lineup of speakers. We looked at the 2030 horizon and the expectations in terms of Europe's autonomous launch capabilities; we looked at the future of Satellite communications, with the works around IRIS² now ongoing. We examined transatlantic and international cooperation in space in the face of unexpected challenges and an uncertain geopolitical landscape, and then we set our eyes on the growing intersection between space and defence. We had the opportunity to discuss together these and many more topics, in the incredible premises of the SQUARE, thanks to our long list of partners, which made this Conference a reality. 🖖 Per aspera ad astra, and hope to see you next year! #EuropeanSpaceConf 🚀 ➡️ 2026

H. Ludwig Moeller, Director of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) closed the 17th #EuropeanSpaceConf outlining the Main Takeaways from two full days of high-level sessions and conversations that brought together key figures from the European space community.

🤝 The "Conversation on the Future of EU Space and Defence Policy" brought together key figures of the EU defence and foreign policy bodies to explore the growing interplay between space and defence. The discussion highlighted major European initiatives, including new space infrastructure and services like the Secure Connectivity Programme (IRIS²) and Copernicus Governmental Services, as well as regulatory developments such as the EU Space Industrial Strategy (ESIS) unveiled last year. The speakers emphasised the role of the negotiations of the next Multiannual FInancial Framework (MFF) as an important opportunity to leverage the interlinks between space and defence, and achieve strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical instability. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace Security and Defense, European External Action Service (EEAS), introduced the session. Speakers' lineup: 🔵 François Arbault, Director for Defence Industry, DG DEFIS, European Commission 🔵 Stefano Cont (Lt. Gen.), Director, Capability, Armament, and Planning, European Defence Agency 🔵 Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service The conversation was moderated by Alessandro Marrone, Head of Defence Space and Security Programme at the IAI - Istituto Affari Internazionali #EuropeanSpaceConf

🛡️ In the latest Conversation, the Portuguese, French and German Space Commanders provided the audience in the Gold Hall with a forward-looking perspective about the increasing convergence of the space and the defence domains, and the crucial role of space assets in the national military strategies. The speakers jointly reiterated the importance of space and the achievement of strategic autonomy in ensuring European security and resilience in the face of global threats. The Space Commanders contributing to the panel included: 🔵 Lieutenant General Joao Caldas, Commander of the Air Force Personnel, Portuguese Air Force 🔵 Major General Philippe Adam, Commander, French Space Command 🔵 Major General Michael Traut, Commander, German Space Command The conversation was moderated by Giulia Pavesi, Research Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). #EuropeanSpaceConf

🌌 Multilateral Developments in Space Security Governance  We had an exciting panel discussion featuring: 🔹Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy for Space, European External Action Service 🔹Teymouraz Gorjestani, Department Director for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Ministère des Affaires étrangères français  🔹Clive Hughes, Head of Space Security and Advanced Threats, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Moderated by Robin Geiß, Director, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). One of the last #EuropeanSpaceConf panels tackled the complex landscape of space security governance from a European perspective. It also explored the evolving ways to promote multilateral cooperation, highlighted recent challenges and threats, and discussed collaborative initiatives within the #EU and beyond to strengthen global norms and regulatory frameworks for space operations. Raising awareness about the importance of multilateral cooperation, emphasising predictability and transparency, is vital. As #space becomes more congested and complex, European societies, which heavily depend on space systems, must preserve the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Thank you to all speakers and the moderator for making this possible! 🚀

🛰️ 🔗 🛡️ The Space and Defence nexus is drawing increasing attention in the two respective communities. From the key role that satellite communications are playing in current conflicts to the rapid development of new Anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) capabilities by space powers, the session "Shared Frontiers: Exploring the Intersection of Space and Defence" outlined overlapping policy frameworks between the space and defence realms, also in light of the publication European Defense Industrial Strategy (EDIS) last year and the recently announced EU Space Industrial Strategy (ESIS). The speakers' lineup featured: Introduction: 🔵 General Francesco Vestito, Director, Directorate for the Employment of Military Personnel (DIPMA), Aeronautica Militare Panel lineup: 🔵 Elena Donazzan, Vice-Chair ITRE Committee, European Parliament 🔵 Milosz Momot, Head of Unit for European Defence Fund - Implementation Defence systems, DG DEFIS, European Commission 🔵 Arild José Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer, KSAT – Kongsberg Satellite Services 🔵 Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Patria 🔵 Cristina Vives Ruiz, Chief Commercial Officer, Indra Espacio S.A. 🔵 Nicolas LEFORT, Head of New Markets, MBDA 🔵 Thomas Tschirner, Head of Ariane 6 Partners Management & Future Programmes Germany, ArianeGroup The session was moderated by Lea Pavlovic, Public Affairs Manager, Business Bridge Europe - logos #EuropeanSpaceConf

🚀The session "The EU Space ISAC - Building EU Space Resilience" focused on enhancing the resilience of Europe's space infrastructure through the EU Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). Speakers discussed the crucial aspects of ISACs for gathering and sharing information on cyber threats, ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, particularly in this political context. ✨ The panel featured: 🔵 Colonel Marcin Mazur, Vice-President, POLSA Polska Agencja Kosmiczna | Polish Space Agency 🔵 Chiara Manfletti, Chief Executive Officer, Neuraspace 🔵 Florent RIZZO, Chief Executive Officer, CyberInflight 🔵 Miguel Angel Fernandez, Head of Systems Security and Cybersecurity, INDRA 🎙️Moderated by Dinka Dinkova, Deputy Head of Unit for Innovation & New Space - Space Defence, DG DEFIS, European Commission #EuropeanSpaceConf

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, European Commission: "We have to take much more responsibility for defence into our own hands." #EuropeanSpaceConf

🛰️ Earth Observation Governmental Services and Commercial Satellite Imagery for Security and Defence We had an interesting panel discussion with: 🔹Louis T. Director, EU SatCen 🔹Mauro Facchini, Head of Unit for Earth Observation, DG DEFIS, European Commission 🔹Colonel Luigi Riggio, Office of the Military Advisor, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri 🔹Rosa Ruiloba, VP Business Development, Unseenlabs 🔹Jeffrey Apeldoorn, Head of Government Solutions Europe, ICEYE 🔹Adriano Baptista for Defence, Security, and Intelligence at European Space Imaging (EUSI) Moderated by Alessandro Marrone, Head of Defence Programme, IAI - Istituto Affari Internazionali. 📡 The panel's hot topics included the evolving role of commercial satellite imagery in security and #defence applications, particularly in the context of the upcoming Copernicus Governmental Services initiative. The session examined how commercial providers can complement public services to enhance #resilience, ensure strategic autonomy, and create new opportunities for collaboration. #EuropeanSpaceConf