Previous Editions

2022 - Embracing a new era of space in Europe

The European Space Forum 2022 examined the innovative programmes, initiatives and policies being put forward. Across two days, 60 speakers, 280 in-person delegates and over 400 speakers gathered to discuss the most pertinent topics across the EU space landscape. 

The main topics of the event included:

  • Space, defence, and European security in a changing geopolitical landscape
  • Ensuring European capabilities in space – are we doomed to dependence? 
  • Addressing European space funding and investment gap
  • Competition vs Protectionism – Striking the right balance
  • Achieving the Goals of the Secure Connectivity Initiative
  • Space traffic management – A European approach
  • Harnessing the power of space to address key EU political priorities
  • Celebrating European Innovation and Sustainability in Space
 
Some of the speakers at the 2022 edition included:
Josef-Aschbacher-240_TRP
Josef Aschbacher

Director General

European Space Agency
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Evi Papantoniou

Acting Director for Space

European Commission
Rodrigo-da-Costa240_TRP
Rodrigo da Costa

Executive Director

European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
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Rajeev Suri

Chairman

Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA)
Andre-Hubert-Roussel_240_TRP
André-Hubert Roussel

President

Eurospace
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Marc Serres

CEO

Luxembourg Space Agency

2021 - Time to rethink Europe's space ambitions?

The inaugural edition of the European Space Forum in 2021 was held virtually, and brought together more than 700 key stakeholders and thought leaders from across the space and satellite sectors. Across 2 full days of interactive discussion and debate, the following main topics were discussed: 

  • Global Competitiveness & Innovation
  • Space Data
  • Future of Copernicus
  • Goals of the EU Mega Constellation
  • Space Traffic Management
  • Securing the Space Ecosystem
  • New Space Race
 
Some of the speakers at the 2021 edition included:
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Thierry Breton

Commissioner, Internal Market

European Commission
Josef-Aschbacher-240_TRP
Josef Aschbacher

Director General

European Space Agency
Rodrigo-da-Costa240_TRP
Rodrigo da Costa

Executive Director

European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)
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Matthias Petschke

Director of Space, DG DEFIS

European Commission
Andre-Hubert-Roussel_240_TRP
André-Hubert Roussel

President

Eurospace
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Stephen Spengler

Chairman

ESOA
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Sorin Ducaru

Director

SatCen

Agenda

If you are interested in speaking, sponsorship and visibility opportunities, please contact Karolina Stankiewicz at space@forum-europe.com / +44 (0) 2920 780 070.

Note: All timings are in Central European Time (CET).

Day 1
2023-07-05
Day 2
2023-07-06
09:00 - 10:00
Keynote Session
Keynote Session image
Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß
Managing Director for Common Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service (EEAS)
Keynote Session image
Miguel Belló
Director General of the Spanish Space Agency – AEE and Commissioner of the Aerospace
Keynote Session image
Juan Sanchez Delgado
Deputy Director of the Spanish Space Agency – AEE and Security and Planning Director
Keynote Session image
Sorin Dumitru Ducaru
Director, European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen)
Keynote Session image
Isabelle Mauro
Director General, Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA)
10:00 - 11:15
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence

Space has become a key strategic domain, and in addition is increasingly playing a central role in security and defence. Against this backdrop and in the context of the increasing geopolitical challenges that are being seen today, the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) have published the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence. The strategy outlines proposed plans and actions to strengthen the resilience and protection of space systems and services in the EU, as well as outlining concrete measures to respond to space threats and outlining a strategy to maximise the use of space for security and defence purposes. This session will look at the role that all stakeholders need to play in order to deliver the goal of a stronger and more resilient EU through space. 

  • To what extent has the situation in Ukraine served to identify specific risks, threats and vulnerabilities linked to space and the use of space assets?
  • What are the key aims and objectives of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence and what role can it play in enabling Europe to better to defend our interests, protect our space systems and services, and become a more autonomous and assertive space power on the global stage?
  • What critical infrastructures in Europe depend on space services, and what is the best way forward to address the key objective of protecting these assets and services and making them more resilient?
  • How can industry representatives, EU policymakers and member states now come together in order to respond to security threats and to maximise the positive role that space can play in contributing to security and defence in Europe? 
  • How can the strategy help to strengthen Europe’s strategic sovereignty and capacity to take decision autonomously?
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence image
Guillaume de La Brosse
Head of Unit for Innovation, Start-ups and Economics, DG DG DEFIS, European Commission
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence image
Pascal Legai
Senior Adviser to ESA DG - Security Coordinator, ESA
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence image
Pedro D. Solbes Galiano
Colonel (OF-5), Spanish Air and Space Force
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence image
Cristina Vives
Director Space Business, Indra
Session 1: Bridging the gap between space, security and defence image
Torsten Kriening
Publisher & CEO, Spacewatch.global
11:15 - 11:35
Refreshment Break
11:35 - 12:45
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space?

Europe has historically lagged behind other regions in terms of investment and funding for space. Despite being home to the world’s most reliable launch service provider, some of the world’s most successful satellite operators and leading manufacturers, huge challenges still remain when it comes to securing the public funding and private sector investment that is crucial to drive forward the sector. This session will look at the conundrum that is currently faced – how can the funding requirements of a rapidly growing European space sector be met in the extremely challenging current global climate? 

  • What impact are the current high levels of inflation having on costs and investment across the European space sector and what measures are already being taken or are proposed to mitigate the risks associated with potential recession and high inflation?
  • Can longer-term actions be taken to build in resilience for the future and ensure funding is available to secure the competitiveness of the European space sector?
  • What response is being seen in Europe to the US Inflation Reduction Act and to alleviate concerns that companies will be enticed to move investment across the Atlantic? What is required both in terms of a policy response and in financial support and investment?
  • To what extent could a relaxation of state aid regulations help play a part in the solution, and how should this be balanced with action taken to raise funding at an EU-level?
  • What factors are leading to the current gap between the levels of private investment in the space sector seen on a global and European level, and how can these be addressed?
  • How can the space community ensure that they are pitching the unique investment opportunities that the European space sector offers in the best possible way?
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
Evi Papantoniou
Acting Director for Space, European Commission
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
José Manuel Rodriguez
CFO, PLD Space
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
Pascale Ultré-Guérard
Deputy Director for Programs, Strategy Directorate, CNES
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
Jean-Hubert Lenotte
Chief Strategy and Resources Officer, Eutelsat
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
Yvan-Michel Ehkirch
Managing Partner, Karista
Session 2: Funding and investment in an uncertain world – how can Europe overcome global economic and political instability to deliver the required investment in space? image
Matija Renčelj
Research Manager, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI)
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
13:45 - 14:55
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future

The question of how green space is, is a moot one but also a fundamental one given that almost every other industry is setting Net Zero objectives for itself. While there is no doubt that space-based services such as those provided by Copernicus are essential to support a greener future for Europe, raw materials and chemicals used in both the manufacture and launch of satellites and launchers raise important questions around the sustainability of the sector. Yet the resulting space-based services – be they communications, earth observation, navigation or IoT services – can serve huge areas, relying almost solely on solar power to do so for years on end, compared for example, with terrestrial 5G services which are set to consume high amounts of power. This session will take a 360 degree look at the key relationship between the space sector and sustainability. It will discuss the best way to minimise the carbon footprint of space activities themselves, and also explore how the contribution of space-based services towards key climate and other sustainability goals can be maximised. 

 

  • What needs to be done in Europe to ensure that space-based services are best harnessed to help contribute to the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan and more broadly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
  • What opportunities does the green economy offer to European space players, and how can it be ensured that companies are provided the best possible opportunity to take advantage of these and ensure that European solutions are playing a part in delivering a more sustainable planet?
  • Through Copernicus and other programmes, how can Europe ensure that it maintains the world leading position that it has in earth observation, and best utilise this to help develop of evidence-based policies to contribute to key SDGs?
  • What progress is being made to make European launchers greener?
  • Where does the space sector fit within this response and how can it be ensured that the contribution of space to the EU’s main climate and sustainability goals is taken into account?
  • What progress is being made in addressing the Copernicus funding gap and how can stakeholders come together to ensure that the funding is in place to continue the key role that Copernicus and the data that it collects plays in efforts to decarbonise the European economy?
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Alessandro Grasso
Project Manager - Earth Observation, Luxembourg Space Agency
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Mauro Facchini
Head of Unit for Earth Observation, DG DEFIS, European Commission
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Simonetta Cheli
Director of Earth Observation Programmes, ESA
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Agnieszka Lukaszczyk
Vice President of Government Affairs, EMEA,Planet
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Javier Veglison
Innovation & Product Strategy, Hispasat
Session 3: Harnessing the power of the European Space Sector to deliver a Green Future image
Aarti Holla-Maini
Incoming Director, UNOOSA
14:55 - 16:10
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe

The European Commission has moved forward at an unprecedented pace with its plans to implement ‘IRIS2’ – a framework designed to deliver secure, resilient, and autonomous connectivity in Europe. Having published a regulation in 2022, early 2023 saw the start of the procurement process with hopes to select a contractor to start work before the end of the year. This early progress is crucial for the success of the EU initiative, and as this ambitious new flagship programme continues to take shape, this session will address key questions and look at the timeline ahead as Europe looks to deliver on the goals that have been set.

  • What is the current state of play with regards to the implementation of IRIS2
  • What key needs and requirements of the system have been outlined, and what challenges have been issued to private sector players looking to get involved?
  • What is the expected timeframe ahead and how can it be ensured that the early urgency and pace that has been seen to date is maintained throughout the next few years? How important is time-to-market in order to ensure its success?
  • What lessons, good and bad, can be taken from both Copernicus and Galileo as we embark on this ambitious new programme?
  • What role can IRIS2 play in Europe’s broader security strategy, and what role will it play in the continual drive towards increased sovereignty and autonomy?
  • What sustainability criteria are being put in place as part of the programme, and to what extent can IRIS2 become a blueprint to help raise standards in space sustainability more broadly?
  • What role can stakeholders beyond the Large System Integrators play as part of IRIS2 – downstream users, SMEs, startups and the broader digital community? How can the programme support industry competitiveness and innovation across the entire space ecosystyem?
  • What are the next steps, and how can EU institutions, member states, ESA and the private sector now come together to ensure the objectives of the programme are delivered and its benefits are maximised?
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
Christophe Grudler
MEP, European Parliament
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
Enrique Fraga Moreira
General Manager of Space Systems EST, GMV
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
José Luis Serrano
Head of Innovation and Product Strategy, Hispasat
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
Xavier Bertran
SVP, EU Programmes, SES
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
Koen Willems
VP EU Programs & Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirect
Session 4: Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe image
Thierry Lefort
Director, PWC Strategy&
16:10 - 16:30
Refreshment Break
16:30 - 17:30
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach?

The huge surge in NGSO satellites in recent years, and the rapid evolution of the sector more broadly are bringing with them new challenges in terms of licensing and regulation, alongside the more obvious space sustainability issues. One of these relates to connectivity, and at ensuring the provision of a licencing framework that protects the needs of existing users whilst encouraging new entrants, innovation and competition. If Europe is to benefit from the extensive new opportunities that are offered by an evolving space sector, then a regulatory framework that grants fair and equitable access to the required connectivity is a vital part of the puzzle.

  • What licencing models and rules currently guide access to spectrum for satellite systems and how can it be ensured that sufficient spectrum is available for all users?
  • To what extent do these find the right balance in both protecting users and encouraging innovation and competition, allowing next generation space-based connectivity to flourish?
  • With the current framework designed for GSO satellite networks, are they still appropriate for more complex NGSO systems? Can the general authorisation principles established within the EU be seamlessly applied also to new NGSO systems?
  • What steps are being taken at national and European level to ensure that a regulatory framework is in place to meet both current and future connectivity needs of a fast evolving sector while not compromising their global competitiveness?
  • What key decisions are set to be made at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) later this year, and how could these impact satellite and space services in Europe?
  • How can it be ensured that access to the spectrum and connectivity that they need doesn’t become a bottleneck for satellite and space services as the sector continues to grow and advance?
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach? image
Dominic Hayes
Policy Officer Frequency Management and International Relations, European Commission
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach? image
Vinicius Aloia
Space Policy & Regulation Manager for Astroscale UK & Europe, Astroscale
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach? image
Ivan Suarez
Head of Space and Spectrum Policy, Access Partnership
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach? image
John Janka
Chief Officer, Global Government Affairs & Regulatory, Viasat
Session 5: Delivering the required connectivity for an evolving satellite and space sector – is there a need for a fresh approach? image
Aarti Holla-Maini
Incoming Director, UNOOSA
17:30 - 18:30
Cocktail Reception

Hosted by GMV.

09:00 - 10:00
Keynote Presentation
Keynote Presentation image
Margrethe Vestager
Executive Vice President - A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, European Commission
Keynote Presentation image
Josef Aschbacher
Director General, European Space Agency (ESA)
Keynote Presentation image
Isabelle Mauro
Director General, Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA)
Keynote Presentation image
Paul Adamson
Chairman, Forum Europe
10:00 - 11:20
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness

A number of recent initiatives have been launched by stakeholders in order to update space traffic management processes to take into account the significant increase in the amount of traffic seen in space today. Advancing technologies and increased political awareness are resulting in an increasing number of innovative new solutions emerging. Work is also taking place at a European level, with the proposal of a space law that aims to put in place common rules on collision avoidance, safety and mitigation measures, and overall to achieve “strategic autonomy” in space traffic management. This session will look at the key aims and objectives of the proposed new law, and more broadly at the initiatives that being seen both in Europe and all around the world to deliver an improved framework for space traffic management (STM) and space domain awareness (SDA).

  • What work is being done at a European level, by member states and by the private sector to address challenges relating to increasing space traffic and to ensure a safer, more sustainable outer space?
  • What can be achieved in terms of common rules at European level to help improve space traffic management (STM) and space domain awareness (SDA), and what is being proposed in this area?
  • What funding is currently allocated to developing STM and SDA at a European level, and to what extent is there scope to see this increased in the next MFF? 
  • How can this be supplemented by funding from member states?
  • What can be done to encourage greater private sector involvement alongside this and to create conditions that encourage a sustainable commercial market? 
  • What impact can emerging new technologies such as AI and machine learning have on STM and more broadly on helping to make space safer and more sustainable?
  • What scope is there for bilateral and wider global agreements on STM that allow Europe to work hand-in-hand with global partners to develop international regulations for responsible, safe and sustainable operations in space? 
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Rolf Densing
Director of Operations, ESA
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Christoph Kautz
Head of Unit, Secure Connectivity, Space Surveillance & Applications, DG DEFIS, European Commission
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Chiara Manfletti
Director and Chief Operating Officer, Neuraspace
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Alberto Águeda Maté
Director of Space Surveillance and Traffic Management, GMV
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Alexander Reissner
CEO & Founder, ENPULSION
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Yohann Bénard
Public Policy Director Europe, Digital, Amazon
Session 6: Building the European approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness image
Charles Galland
Policy Manager, Eurospace
11:20 - 11:40
Refreshment Break
11:40 - 13:00
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability

A recent article from leading space scientists warned that the number of satellites in low Earth orbit could exceed 100,000 by 2030. This dramatic increase in space activity raises the question of whether there is a need to look at the introduction of regulation in order to govern the impact of satellites on the night sky, on the Earth’s atmosphere and on the orbital environment more broadly. This session will explore this issue, examine the geopolitics of space sustainability and ask the extent to which could be the potential of countries working together to protect orbit in the same way as we do with the land, oceans and atmosphere.

 

  • What is the current situation regarding the number of satellites in space, and how is this expected to evolve over the next few years? 
  • What impact does this rise in mega-constellations and satellites threaten to have on activities on earth and in space? How many satellites can we actually launch to space before it gets to be too much?
  • What scope is there for global coordination and the possibility of a binding international treaty in this area? How can geopolitical challenges in this area be overcome?
  • How European companies and policymakers ensure that they are demonstrating responsible leadership  and are leading the way when it comes ?
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability image
Christopher Johnson
Space Law Advisor, Secure World Foundation
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability image
Sara Dalledonne
Research Fellow - Lead on Regulatory Affairs, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI)
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability image
James Cemmell
Vice President, Government Engagement, Inmarsat
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability image
Niklas Nienaß
MEP, European Parliament
Session 7: The Geopolitics of Space Sustainability image
Torsten Kriening
Publisher & CEO, Spacewatch.global
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:20
Session 8: The role of the EU in international space policy – bolstering co-operation in an evolving world

Space is evolving. The number of countries aspiring to be space-faring nations has expanded from a somewhat exclusive club to now include an increasing number of developed and developing countries, with diverse capabilities and ambitions. In addition, an increasing number of private sector players are entering the market. All this in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Europe, both of which highlight the increasing importance of cooperation and coordination in space to achieve both effective industrial and security policies. 

  • What are the key areas of opportunity for partnership and cooperation for Europe and the rest of the world?
  • What work is being done at a European level to foster partnerships with key partners around the world in the areas of space industrial policy and space security policy?
  • How important are international partnerships and collaboration in order to build a more robust and secure space ecosystem globally?
  • What could be the possible implications of the newly agreed Northern Ireland trade deal and what impact could this have on the EU and UK space sectors and the way in which they work together?
  • How compatible is the goal of international collaboration with key European objectives of promoting competitiveness and ensuring EU sovereignty and autonomy in space? 
  • How can global partnerships help to increase commercial opportunities and open new markets for European companies, and so boost European competitiveness on the global stage? 
  • How can European companies ensure they are in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that are available on a global level? What examples of best practice are currently being seen, and in which areas is there scope for more to be done? 
Session 8: The role of the EU in international space policy – bolstering co-operation in an evolving world image
Inês Ávila
Space Safety and Transportation Officer, Portuguese Space Agency