The European Space Agency (ESA) invites members of the space community to attend the New Capabilities and Countries in European Space Sector Conference at ESA/ESRIN (Frascati, Italy) on 14-15 May 2025.
Due to the increase in damage by the eight-toothed spruce bark beetles in the managed territory, last year the Joint Stock Company “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) started work on the development of an algorithm for identifying potentially damaged spruce stands, so that in the long term economic activity could be planned to limit damage by bark beetles in the designated stands. The algorithm is based on high-resolution Sentinel-2 satellite images covering the entire territory of the country.
In July of last year, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ariane-6 rocket delivered artificial satellites into space. The successful rocket launch is also a credit to Latvian scientists. A unique material developed at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry protects the rocket’s fuel tanks from the extremely low temperatures in space.
In the future, it may become almost impossible to carry out unsanctioned construction without being noticed. In 2025, Latvia will begin testing how satellite images could be used in the fight against illegal building. The pilot project's goal is to develop a mechanism that will connect landscape changes with documentation from databases and, even without building authority experts' inspections, allow officials to determine whether construction work is authorised.
ESA's Big Data Foundations for Earth Observation 2025 course, taking place in Riga from 22-26 September 2025, will be a dedicated precursor to the Big Data from Space (BiDS) 2025 Conference (29 September - 3 October). Please take a survey so that organizers can adjust the programme for your needs.
Latvian-born astronomer, graduate of the University of Latvia (UL) Kārlis Kaufmanis (1910–2003) became internationally renowned for his exceptional ability to bridge scientific discoveries with cultural and religious contexts. His famous "Star of Bethlehem Lecture", also aired on the international American broadcasting station "Voice of America", became a beloved Christmas tradition in the United States, delighting thousands of listeners. In this lecture, Kaufmanis provided a scientific explanation for the celestial symbol of the Star of Bethlehem from the Christian tradition, suggesting it may have been the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn - a rare astronomical event.
In December 2024, Europe’s groundbreaking reusable rocket first stage, Themis, reached a significant milestone with a successful 'full fit-check' at ArianeGroup’s facility in Les Mureaux, France. One of the partners implemeting this project is company based in Latvia 'SIA WIT Berry'.
Today, December 17, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the reallocation of the flexible budget of the Ministry of Education and Science, directing funding towards the annual contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA) programs. By the end of this year, a contribution of 1,897,634 EUR for 2025 is planned to be made to ESA. Combined with the already allocated funding, this will ensure the minimum contribution required under the international agreement, thereby supporting Latvia’s strategic goals in this important sector.
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.
The fifth fixed call for proposals under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Requesting Party Activity (RPA) in Latvia has concluded, approving 10 projects with a total budget of €1,581,267. Thanks to Latvia’s status as an Associate Member of ESA, Latvian companies and research institutions can receive annual funding for the development of space technologies and solutions.
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.
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.
