I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the popular economy-focused radio show Buum, hosted by Anto Liivat and Ott Pärna. During the show, we delved into some fascinating topics that are shaping the future of the space industry, both globally and here in Estonia.
During the show, we discussed various economy-related topics, including when Estonia might see its first space unicorn. We also explored the funding of startups that address defense and security issues with dual-use technologies, the challenges facing Germany’s automotive industry, and the work-related situations that leave the deepest emotional scars.
My interventions, I focused on the global trends in the space domain, where we discussed the evolving space value chains and the interplay between civil and defense sectors. We also touched upon the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) and the exciting prospects of broadband internet from space. Additionally, I shared insights on Estonia’s space policy, highlighting the innovative space cyber range and the developments of the Estonian space industry.
The Estonian space industry has made significant strides since the launch of the ESTCube-1 satellite in 2013, which marked Estonia’s entry into the space sector. Today, Estonia is a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and has a thriving space community with around 50 local companies actively developing space products and services. The Estonian Space Office plays a crucial role in developing the national space policy and promoting international cooperation. Estonia’s strengths lie in creating solutions for cybersecurity, secure data transmission, mission support systems, software development, and the application of machine learning in satellite communications.
It was an enriching experience to share my thoughts and engage in such meaningful conversations. I invite you to listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into these topics and more.
Stay tuned for more updates on my journey in the space domain!