On 2 December Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft law proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science, which concerns approval of an international treaty, which sets the principles for countries’ activities in space exploration and the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies. Joining the treaty will promote the development of the space industry and international cooperation.
Latvia recently launched European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre in Latvia (ESA BIC Latvia), operated by Commercialization Reactor and partners. In the upcoming month there will be a few events that will help new starptups to launch their ideas in space.
Space technologies are often associated with complex scientific discoveries or distant space exploration missions, but these activities comprise only a small part of the extensive space sector. From using online navigation apps to move around cities or rural areas to assessing and mitigating the aftermath of storms, space technologies significantly improve our daily lives.
On November 13, 2024, the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre in Latvia (ESA BIC Latvia) was officially launched at the Science and Innovation Centre of Riga Technical University.
The ‘Latvian-Norwegian Space Seminar’ was held as a special networking event during ‘Spaceport Norway’ on 11 November in Oslo. The seminar was organised by Innovation Norway and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), with support from the Norway Grants.
This year, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of continuous operation in the fields of radio astronomy and space exploration. The VIRAC, a structural unit of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, is one of the leading scientific institutions in Northern Europe, specializing in space technologies and radio astronomy.
The 2025 ESA internship opportunities are now live and available also for Latvian students! Positions are open in a wide range of fields, including engineering, science, IT, natural and social sciences, business, economics, and administrative services. Apply until the end of November!
On November 13, 2024, at 4:00 pm, the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre in Latvia (ESA BIC Latvia) will be inaugurated at the Science and Innovation Centre of Riga Technical University (RTU). Luca del Monte, the Head of ESA’s Commercialisation Department, will also attend the launch event.
Learn more about ESA HERA mission and how Latvian innovation is helping to make it a reality. Watch live interview with ESA systems engineer Paolo Martino and Eventech BDM Adam Adamovich on 31st October .
The Ministry of Education and Science in collaboration with the ESA, organized business training for Latvian companies and research organizations working in the space sector. During the training, participants acquired the necessary skills to develop potential business cases in the space industry and better prepare for negotiations with ESA representatives.
The EU Space Days, formerly known as EU Space Week, is the Commission’s most important event when it comes to space policy and the EU Space Programme. This year this event will be held in Budapest between 20-21 November 2024.
ESA’s first planetary defence spacecraft has departed planet Earth. The Hera mission is headed to a unique target among the more than 1.3 million known asteroids in our Solar System to solve mysteries associated with its deflection, and Latvia also contributed to the overall finalization of this mission.
On October 13th, Jānis Paiders, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Development, addressed ministers and members of parliament at the 14th International Astronautical Federation’s congress, held in Milan. His statement was part of Session 3, which focused on climate change, titled “Space Solutions: The Key at All Levels - National, Regional, Urban, and Rural”.
This year, World Space Week is held from October 4-10, and its theme focuses on the intersection of space and climate change. The Space Strategy of Latvia emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental changes, and innovative solutions can already be seen in Latvia, demonstrating how space technology can be successfully used to minimize the impacts of climate change.
The 2025 Cassini Challenges edition on the search for innovative, space-based solutions and ideas that could help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The University of Latvia’s (UL) Institute of Astronomy has been recognized as a partner of the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE), highlighting the institute’s contributing role in supporting highly accurate observations and measurements.
EUSPA invites stakeholders to register for its User Consultation Platform (UCP), an online forum designed to enhance the use of EU Space components. Join on October 8th to share your experiences, expertise, and user requirements.
At the end of August, Allatherm SIA obtained the EN 9100:2018 certification, underscoring its dedication to upholding the highest international standards in safety, quality, and performance within the aerospace and terrestrial industries. This milestone marks a significant advancement for Latvia's space industry, further solidifying the country's presence in this rapidly evolving and developing field.
The Ministry of Education and Science, in collaboration with the ESA, is offering valuable business training for Latvian companies and research organizations working in the space sector. During the training, which will take place in Hotel Bergs, Riga on October 28, participants will gain skills to develop potential business cases in the space industry and better prepare for negotiations with ESA representatives.
The European Space Agency (ESA) hosted the Industry Space Days (ISD) on September 18–19, 2024, at ESA/ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. This year, nine Latvian space companies showcased their innovations at the “Mission Latvia” booth, marking the largest Latvian delegation to date at this leading bi-annual industry event.
On September 18, the final of the 7th CASSINI space hackathon of the European Union (EU) took place, bringing together 10 teams from various European countries, including Latvia. Team "NEAMO," representing Latvia, qualified for the international competition after winning the national selection, presenting their unique solution - using satellite image data for fish disease risk estimation and early detection.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will organize the Industry Space Days (ISD) at ESA/ESTEC (Noordwijk, The Netherlands) on 18–19 September 2024.
The ISD is hosted by the SME section in the ESA Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry, and Competitiveness, aiming to foster cooperation among various stakeholders in the entire space sector.
On September 27, 2024, the European Researchers' Night activities will take place across Latvia, offering a diverse program in 35 venues. During this annual event, every science enthusiast and interested person is invited to explore research more closely and understand its crucial role in the modern world. The activities are free of charge and suitable for the whole family.
The 7th CASSINI hackathon will take place in Riga, dedicated to the use of satellite data for the realization of sustainable development business ideas.The space industry hackathon will be held in two parts. First, local hackathons will be held simultaneously in 10 countries, including Latvia. Their winners will participate in the European-level hackathon, which will take place online on September 18.
[EN below]
Kā pētnieks Dr.sc.ing. Kaspars Kalniņš ir veltījis savu darbu kompozītmateriālu konstrukciju izturības izpētei. Zinātnieka ilggadējā aizraušanās ar kosmosu rezultējusies ar stažēšanos Eiropas Kosmosa aģentūrā, kā arī sadarbības turpināšanu ar Vācijas Kosmosa aģentūru.
Asteroid "(658787) Alksnis = 2017 UM95" - the asteroid discovered on the night of October 19, 2017 at the Baldone Astrophysics Observatory was confirmed with that name in June of this year. The name was given in honor of Andrejs Alksnis, a researcher at the Baldone Astrophysics Observatory. The observations of the newly discovered asteroid were made by the leading researcher of the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Latvia (LU), Dr.Phys. Ilgmārs Eglītis, and coordinate measurements - Vilnius University's leading researcher of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, Dr.Phys. Kazimieras Černis.
Rēzekne Academy of Technology and SIA "Allatherm" in a joint research and development project of the European Space Agency are investigating the possibilities for superhydro and aerophilic surface heat exchange equipment of metals obtained with the help of laser technology in space vehicles.
The probe "Juice" of the European Space Agency made a flyby of the Moon, on the night of August 20 to 21, it made a flyby of the Earth. Such a flyby is the first such maneuver in the history of space exploration and is an important step on the way for Juice to the Jupiter system, which is planned to reach in 2031. In order to successfully carry out the mission, Ventspils University is part of the "Juice" team.
The model created by astronomers of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has already made it possible to understand that the composition of interstellar ice is similar in different cosmic nebulae, since the composition of ice is regulated simultaneously by several mechanisms. Further applications of this model will bring new discoveries, including about the processes during the birth of stars.
Latvia is among the 10 countries organizing the 7th Cassini Hackathon, which will take place on 13-15 September 2024. The aim is to develop satellite data-based solutions for sustainable development. The event is organized by the Latvian Space Industry Association and will be supported by several partners and four challenge owners, who will share real-world problems and opportunities that can be harnessed using Earth observation and satellite navigation data.
