About the Latvian space sector

What is the Latvian space sector? 

Modernised technological heritage, infrastructure, technology transfer and space data-based solutions.

Latvia enjoys a rich space technology heritage in engineering and smart materials. Some modern companies continued this legacy by updating these technologies, thus creating innovative and powerful solutions that are used in international space missions and research nowadays. Such solutions can be categorised as follows:

  • electronics and electrical engineering;
  • extremely high-precision event timing devices and scientific instruments;
  • space infrastructure (radars, antennas)
  • satellite and space debris laser and radio ranging, optics and photonics;
  • space environment simulation solutions and testing equipment;
  • additive manufacturing, smart materials and insulation for launchers;
  • thermal engineering and propulsion solutions;
  • scientific instruments (metrology, gyroscopes, etc.);
  • Earth Observation data applications;
  • science and education in life sciences, astronomy, bioeconomy, aerospace engineering, etc.

The regularly updated directory of Latvian organisations active in the space domain can be found here.

 

The Space Strategy of Latvia 2021-2027 

Published in 2021 and updated in 2023, the national strategy outlines the joint vision of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia on the future development of the Latvian space sector. It focuses on the development of recurring products and services that have great export potential and generation of world-class knowledge in space and related science disciplines. 

 

EDUCATION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Latvian higher education institutions ensure the development of an adequate base of expertise and skills in graduates to serve the needs of the space sector in Latvia.

ENTERING IN SPACE SUPPLY CHAINS & INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Latvian businesses & research organisations collaborate with the key players in the global space industry to deliver world-class space activities in close cooperation with ESA to develop recurring products and services.

SCIENTIFIC & ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Research organisations & universities operating in Latvia participate in leading space projects & generate the world-class knowledge in space & related science disciplines.

GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES

In response to the country’s social, economic & environmental needs, satellite-based services & applications developed & built in Latvia are increasingly integrated within the public sector at local & national level.

 

The Space Strategy of Latvia 2021-2027 can be found here.

 

 

What is the latviaspace.gov.lv portal and how manages it?

The latviaspace.gov.lv portal represents the Latvian space sector and contains a database of Latvia-based companies and institutes that are either an active part of the space ecosystem or have a direct potential to apply their technologies within the space sector. Additionally, the portal offers information about opportunities available for the Latvian space sector organisations - at the national, European and global levels.

The portal is run by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia. 

The service contract is being implemented within the framework of the ERDF project “Integrated national-level measures for strengthening in the research and development of Latvia’s part of the European Research Area”, No. 1.1.1.5/17/I/002.