Takeaways: Space Innovation Forum no 16

Space Innovation Forum took place 17-18 September in Kiruna.

Key Takeaways from Space Innovation Forum

The 16th Space Innovation Forum gathered researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to discuss Europe’s role in the global space sector. Here are the highlights:

  1. Europe must invest more to stay competitive
    • For every $10 invested in the US space sector, Europe invests $1.
    • Greater funding is needed to secure Europe’s position in global competition.
  2. Promising growth areas identified by ESA
    • Earth observation
    • Satellite communication
    • Satellite data for industrial applications
    • Living in space
    • Success depends on integrating non-space actors into the ecosystem.
  3. Public sector as a future space data market
    • According to the Swedish National Space Agency, awareness of the societal value of space is critical to unlock demand in government and public services.
  4. Technology and infrastructure at the core
    • SSC, Firefly Aerospace, RFA, and Pythom Space shared insights on current projects.
    • SSC highlighted Esrange as a vital European asset for testing, launches, and resilience.
  5. Sustainability is no longer optional
    • SSC emphasized sustainability in the supply chain: reducing impact both on Earth and in orbit.
    • Engineers and suppliers must adapt to new sustainability requirements.
  6. Research and innovation opportunities
    • Workshops explored:
      • 6G satellite communications (LTU, KTH, RISE, IRF, SSF-funded)
      • SpaceLab testing facilities for external clients
      • Student innovations showcased from the PopUp Innovation Party.
  7. Collaboration across levels is key
    • Regional policymakers highlighted the importance of outreach in Stockholm and Brussels.
    • Local actors in Kiruna emphasized collaboration to ensure thriving businesses and community life.
    • Nordic partnerships and infrastructure investments were identified as next steps.
  8. A call for European independence
    • MEP Sofie Eriksson: “An independent space value chain means research European, manufacture European, and launch European.”
    • Kiruna is ready to host more EU space missions, with capacity and infrastructure already in place.

Bottom line: Stronger investment, sustainable practices, and cross-sector collaboration will shape Europe’s space future—and Space Sweden North is at the center of it.

Thank you to our speakers and everyone who attended – and mark your calendars for Space Innovation Forum no 17 in September 2026.