ESA Briefing on the Upcoming RPA Call

Registration is now open for the European Spave Agency's (ESA) Briefing dedicated to the ESA National Programme: Requesting Party Activities (RPA).

The event will present the upcoming RPA call, including its structure, funding opportunities, and practical guidance on how Latvian companies, research institutions, universities, and startups can participate. Attendees will gain valuable insights into project preparation, as well as the opportunity to engage directly with ESA experts and industry representatives.

πŸ“… 31 March 2026
πŸ“ Space Exploration Center, CΔ«rulΔ«Ε‘u iela 63, CΔ“sis, Latvia
πŸ•˜ 09:30–18:00
🌐 Language: English

Register here. 

Latvia’s Role in ESA and the RPA Programme

Since 27 July 2020, Latvia has been an Associate Member State of the ESA. This status enables Latvian-registered organizations to participate in the RPA programme, which is designed to strengthen national capabilities in the space sector.

Through the RPA programme, organizations can develop innovative space-related technologies, increase technology readiness levels, create new academic courses, and build sustainable business opportunities within the European space industry.

Agenda

09:30–09:35 – Opening remarks
β€’ Representative of the Ministry of Education and Science
β€’ Representative of CΔ“sis Municipality

09:35–09:45 – Presentation about the Space Exploration Center

09:45–10:00 – Presentations by Estonian and Lithuanian ESA Industrial Coordinators

10:00–11:00 – ESA Information Session, led by ESA expert Karol Brzostowski

11:00–11:15 – Coffee Break

11:15–11:30 – Presentation by Airbus Defence and Space Manager of Strategic Development and New Markets Matteo Emanueli

11:30–11:45 – Presentation on Educational Activities, led by ESA expert Karol Brzostowski

11:45–12:45 – Proposal Writing Recommendations, led by ESA expert Karol Brzostowski

12:45–13:45 – Lunch Break

13:45–14:20 – Proposal Writing Recommendations (continued)

14:20–18:00 – One-on-One Consultations
Individual meetings with ESA and Airbus Defence and Space representatives (up to 20 minutes per organization)

Additional Activities

β€’ Visitors not participating in consultations will have the opportunity to explore the Space Exploration Center in guided tours.
β€’ The travelling exhibition β€œResearch Latvia 2026”, created by the Ministry of Education and Science will be on display throughout the event. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to get to know 12 Latvian science excellence figures and their contribution to the development of society and research.

Participation & Registration

The event is intended for companies, research institutions, universities, startups, and technology developers already active in or planning to enter the Latvian space sector.

Organizations interested in participating in individual consultations are invited to register by 23 March. A separate booking link for meeting times will be sent to registered participants.

About Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus and Europe's top defence and space company, ranking second globally in the space sector. Formed in 2014, it specializes in military aircraft (A400M, Eurofighter), space systems (satellites, launchers), and security, providing intelligence and communications technology for global customers.

Organizers

The event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia in cooperation with the ESA and the Space Exploration Center. It is part of the ERDF project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001: β€œMore Efficient Implementation and Management of Latvia's Science Policy”.