European Space Forum highlights challenges facing the European space industry
On 5 and 6 July, the 3rd European Space Forum took place in Brussels under the theme “Strength, security, resilience - Protecting Europe’s interests in and through space.” Against a background of challenges, technological change and increasing competition in the space industry, and in light of the recently approved EU Space Strategy for Security and Defense, the key pillars of the forum focused on security and defense, sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, and connectivity.
Those attending had the opportunity to network and exchange views on how to secure Europe’s position as a key player in the new age of space-related innovation. Some of the topics of discussion that received the most attention were those related to space, defense, and security; issues surrounding Europe’s funding deficit and investment in space; the objectives of the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS2) initiative; and space traffic management.
GMV attended the event as a Platinum sponsor. Enrique Fraga, GMV´s Space Systems EST General Manager, took part in the session entitled “Delivering on the goals of secure, autonomous connectivity in Europe,” in which he highlighted, among other things, the transformative nature of today’s industry thanks to the IRIS2 initiative, a way to provide secure, resilient, and autonomous connectivity in Europe. He also stressed the importance of fostering open competition between companies in the industry to achieve innovative, rapid, and effective development.
Also participating was GMV´s Space Systems EST Commercial Ground Segments Director, Alberto Águeda, who joined the panel on space traffic management and space surveillance: “Building the European Approach to Space Traffic Management and Space Domain Awareness.” He emphasized and defended the importance and need to develop the necessary software and regulatory means to ensure a secure and sustainable future for accessing and using space. He also spoke on the technology that Europe needs to further develop for this purpose, in order to stay at the forefront and ensure its sovereignty and autonomy in this field.