https://spacewatch.global/tag/european-space-agency/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Fri, 22 May 2026 10:35:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/tag/european-space-agency/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2026/05/the-african-and-european-space-agencies-are-calling-for-applications-from-african-earth-observation-startups/ Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=74104 The African and European Space Agencies are jointly calling for applications from African EO startups under the Africa–EU Space Partnership Program.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/05/greece-and-ororatech-launch-the-hellenic-fire-system-the-worlds-first-national-wildfire-satellite-system/ Tue, 05 May 2026 06:54:50 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=73570 OroraTech has launched and deployed the Hellenic Fire System, four dedicated wildfire monitoring satellites for Greece, marking the world’s first national satellite system designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The satellites were launched with SpaceX via Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2026/04/esa-and-canada-sign-agreement-on-the-exchange-of-classified-information-around-strategic-space-domains/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=73130 ESA and Canada have signed a classified information exchange agreement, enabling closer collaboration on space surveillance, disaster response, and security technologies.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/11/spacewatchgl-opinion-isus-moon-shot-2030-a-new-era-of-innovation-technology-and-global-engagement/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=69262
Written by Dr John Wensveen
As leaders from across the space sector gather for this week’s ESA Ministerial, the International Space University (ISU) is charting a bold new course for its future. Through MOON SHOT 2030, ISU’s new strategic plan, the university is committing to a forward-leaning, industry-aligned vision designed to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding global space economy. For more than 35 years, ISU has prepared leaders who have shaped—and continue to shape—the global space sector. Today, with the rise of commercial space, accelerating technological disruption, and rapidly increasing international collaboration, ISU is evolving its model to ensure it remains the world’s premier institution for interdisciplinary, intercultural, and international space education.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/11/esa-and-norway-sign-letter-of-intent-to-explore-the-possibility-of-an-arctic-space-center/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=69284 ESA has signed a letter of intent with Norway to advance the prospect of a new ESA Arctic Space Center in Tromsø. ESA and the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) will now form a joint working group for experts to examine the possibilities for the Center. Subject to the development of its operational scope, the ESA Arctic Space Center may work particularly around Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications and closely with stakeholders across the Arctic region. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/11/spacewatchgl-opinion-starlab-and-the-next-chapter-of-human-spaceflight/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=68849
Written by David Germroth
The inaugural Starlab European User Conference marked a decisive moment in Europe’s return to the forefront of human spaceflight. Hosted in Berlin by Starlab Space Europe and with the strong support of the German Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, the event convened senior leaders from the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Airbus, Voyager Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation, and a broad network of scientific and industrial stakeholders.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/10/spacewatchgl-opinion-delusion-or-leadership/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=68588
Written by Niels Buss
Europe’s space ambitions are growing — but so are the risks of mistaking spending for strategy. At Denmark’s Space Conference 2025, optimism was high, yet the hard questions were left unanswered. Is Europe building capabilities, or just funding comfort?]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/10/eumetsat-releases-new-metop-sga1-images-taken-by-new-multi-spectral-radiometer-payload/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=68253 EUMETSAT has released the first Earth images from its METimage instrument on board the recently launched Metop-SGA1 satellite. These early teasers showcase the exquisite detail, true-to-life color, and data products that will ultimately support European weather services in improving forecasts that save lives, protect communities and benefit economies.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/09/the-space-cafe-podcast-140-with-robert-meisner/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=67983 In this eye-opening episode, Markus travels to ESRIN, ESA’s Earth Observation hub in Frascati near Rome, to sit down with Robert Meisner – a man who has spent nearly 40 years watching our planet from above. Together they dive into the hidden landscapes of the ocean surface, the secrets of gravity maps, and how satellites reveal the slow but relentless transformation of our world.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/09/the-space-cafe-podcast-139-with-john-mcfall/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=67657 John McFall - surgeon, Paralympic medalist, father of three, and ESA parastronaut selectee — joins Markus to explore how human spaceflight changes when we design for ability, not assumptions. From winter survival in the Pyrenees to EVA realities and cosmic radiation, John shares what it takes to open space to everyone.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/08/astroagency-continues-expansion-with-new-partnerships-and-u-s-showcase/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=67241 AstroAgency has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Voyager Technologies and Cislunar International. The MOU kicks off a six-month push to grow the firm’s connections and clients across the United States and Canada.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/08/open-cosmos-launches-first-rideshare-mission-for-the-iod-iov-program/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=66818 Open Cosmos signs first work order contract for the IOD/IOV program funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe R&I Program. The European Space Agency announced that it selected the company as one of six European providers for this Frame Contract in January 2025. Marking a major milestone for European innovation, the European Commission and ESA established a pool of rideshare providers to accelerate access to space for groundbreaking technologies.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/06/from-partnership-to-policy-canada-reaffirms-strategic-role-in-esas-evolving-space-agenda/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=65677 In a reaffirmation of long-standing transatlantic collaboration, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have renewed their cooperation agreement through 2030, signaling not only operational continuity but deeper strategic alignment in an increasingly competitive and contested space environment. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/11/falling-walls-science-summit-2024-with-dr-valeria-pettorino-2024-with-dr-valeria-pettorino/ Sat, 09 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=62176 In this interview from the Falling Walls Science Summit 2024, Torsten Kriening speaks with Dr. Valeria Pettorino, the project scientist of the ESA's Euclid mission.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/10/spacewatchgl-opinion-space-leaders-or-smoke-and-mirrors-an-italian-perspective-from-iac/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=61876 Now that the dust has settled on the IAC, it’s time to  reflect on what happened last week in Milan, especially from the perspective  of the Italian space industry. As an Italian, a Milanese, I can offer some insights. The words that came to my mind over and over again were “management detachment”. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/10/iac-2024-esas-dr-aschbacher-teases-moonlight-zero-debris-ariane-6/ Sun, 13 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=61662 This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/07/spacewatchgl-opinion-a-reality-check-on-european-space-capabilities/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:00:11 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=56005 The European Space Forum 2024 seeks to showcase Europe's strategic role in the global space race, using its distinct ecosystem while navigating the intricate web of international relations. The forum's discussions help determine the future trajectory of European space activities, ensuring that Europe remains relevant and leads in numerous critical areas of space technology and exploration.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/05/the-space-cafe-podcast-107-cerns-pablo-tello-and-esas-ian-carnelli-mindcollider-fusing-space-physics-and-big-ideas/ Thu, 23 May 2024 08:00:42 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=55314 In this episode, Markus welcomes two influential guests, Pablo Tello from CERN and Ian Carnelli from the European Space Agency (ESA). They explore the MINDCOLLIDER project, Markus’s brainchild that unites brilliant minds from particle physics and space exploration to help inspire solutions to very mundane or globally pressing issues. Pablo Tello: A scientist at CERN in Geneva, known for his interdisciplinary approach and contributions to particle physics. He co-heads IdeaSquare, a facility at CERN that fosters innovative thinking. Ian Carnelli: Director of ESA’s HERA mission, focused on developing technologies to protect Earth from asteroid impacts. He returns to the podcast with updated insights and experiences.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/04/spacewatchgl-search-for-independence-european-prospects-in-the-field-of-solar-weather-monitoring/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:00:33 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=54731 In the last decade, space weather has become the subject of serious consideration in the scientific community and global scientific organizations. Solar activity plays an important role in both space operations and terrestrial infrastructure. Flares, storms, and coronal mass ejections are all manifestations of solar activity that can affect the operation of satellites, navigation, surveillance, radio communications, and other important structures. As a consequence, there is a need for a reliable and independent ecosystem for monitoring and forecasting solar weather. Today, the European space sector faces the challenge of creating infrastructure capable of competing with existing international initiatives.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/03/space-economy-insights-ep-4-the-role-of-international-financial-institutions-with-fani-kallianou-de-jong/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:00:57 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=54002 In this episode of Space Economy Insights, Kevin O'Connell and Dr. Emma Gatti host Fani Kallianou de Jong, Principal in the Climate Strategy and Delivery Team of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).]]>