On the 20th of September, 2024, I had the pleasure of participating, together with Silver Lodi, CEO Spaceit, in the Strategy Academy, where we delved into the significance of the space sector from both governmental and private sector perspectives. During this insightful session, we explored the development of Estonia’s space industry, key milestones, and success stories, including why ESTCube-1 is considered the “Skype” of our space sector.
The Importance of Space Policy for Estonia
As the Head of Space Policy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication, I emphasized the importance of having a robust space policy. Estonia, despite being a small country, has made significant strides in the space sector. Our journey began with the ESTCube-1 satellite project in 2008, which marked a pivotal moment in our space history. Since then, we have continued to grow and innovate, making space a serious economic sector in Estonia.
Read also my article about Estonian Space Policy and Programme 2020-2027.
Why Should Estonia Invest in Space?
We discussed why it is crucial for a small country like Estonia to invest in the space sector. A strong space policy not only enhances our national image but also opens up numerous economic opportunities. The space industry in Estonia is growing, with several companies actively engaged in various fields such as optical payloads and material science. Collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) is key to our success, providing us with the necessary support and resources to thrive.
The Role of Cybersecurity for Space Estonia
Cybersecurity plays a central role in our space activities. Protecting our space infrastructure from cyber threats is essential to ensure the safety and security of our investments. We face two main types of cyber threats: military threats and unpredictable hacker attacks. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the sustainability of our space sector.
Collaboration Between Academia, Industry, and Government
The cooperation between the Space Estonia (Estonian Space Office), academia, and industry is vital for the success of our space policy. By working closely together, we can ensure that the right projects are financed and that our space program thrives. This collaboration is essential for fostering innovation and maintaining our competitive edge in the global space industry.
Future Vision for Space Estonia
Looking ahead, our vision for the next 5-10 years includes the development of a comprehensive space law, fostering more collaboration with international partners, and continuing to innovate in the space sector. We aim to make Estonia a key player in the global space industry, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for space companies to grow and succeed.
For a more detailed discussion, you can watch the full Strategy Academy session here.