{"id":10818,"date":"2018-09-12T16:00:39","date_gmt":"2018-09-12T14:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fedil.lu\/press-releases\/luxembourg-launches-business-focused-national-space-agency\/"},"modified":"2021-12-29T10:44:32","modified_gmt":"2021-12-29T09:44:32","slug":"luxembourg-launches-business-focused-national-space-agency","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/fedil.lu\/en\/press-releases\/luxembourg-launches-business-focused-national-space-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxembourg launches business-focused national space agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luxembourg, September 12, 2018 <\/em>\u2013 The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) officially launched operations today with the goal of promoting the further economic development of the Grand Duchy\u2019s space industry by attracting businesses, developing human resources, providing innovative financial solutions and supporting educational and research infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Unlike many similar organisations abroad, Luxembourg’s space agency will not directly conduct research or launch missions, but foster collaboration between key players in the space industry, with the core mission of accelerating the emergence of innovation-driven businesses.<\/p>\n

The newly-created Luxembourg Space Agency builds on the country\u2019s deep understanding of the legal and infrastructure requirements for space entrepreneurs to achieve their commercial ambitions. Under the authority of the Ministry of the Economy, the agency is partnering with leading national academic, research and business organisations and communities as well as other public institutions within Luxembourg\u2019s extensive ecosystem of public- and private-sector stakeholders.<\/p>\n

For more than three decades, Luxembourg has been at the forefront of commercial and co-operative initiatives that have shaped a vibrant space economy. Its greatest success has been the creation in 1985 of the government-supported SES (Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Europ\u00e9enne des Satellites<\/em>), today the world\u2019s largest commercial satellite operator. Further space-related services and businesses have developed alongside SES, and today commercial space activity accounts for nearly 2% of GDP, among the highest ratios in Europe.<\/p>\n

In 2005, Luxembourg joined the European Space Agency (ESA) as a full member, laying the foundation for participation by the Grand Duchy\u2019s companies in ESA R&D programmes and space exploration projects. The most recent step by the Ministry of the Economy was the launch in 2016 of the SpaceResources.lu initiative, positioning the country as a pioneer in the exploration and utilisation of space resources as a step toward the in-space economy of the future.<\/p>\n

Luxembourg\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, \u00c9tienne Schneider, says: \u201cBuilding on Luxembourg\u2019s longstanding support for the space industry through a combination of policy, programmes and funding, the agency will further encourage innovation-driven space entrepreneurship and promote this country as Europe\u2019s platform for commercial space development and a home for cutting-edge industries. Luxembourg is ready to welcome, support and assist the development of space industry players that can move forward together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marc Serres, CEO of the Luxembourg Space Agency, explains: \u201cDeepening and expanding Luxembourg\u2019s space business sector is a priority for the country\u2019s future. The agency will carry out its mission through a network of national partners that bring the skills, expertise and capabilities for the Luxembourg Space Agency to meet all the needs of commercial space entrepreneurs. This strategy based on multiple-stakeholder partnerships is designed to create an attractive and supportive ecosystem for space companies to grow and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

ESA Director General Jan W\u00f6rner says: \u201cI congratulate Luxembourg on this very important step in its space history. With its wide range of services and expertise, ESA is continuing its strong co-operation with the Grand Duchy. Collaboration between the Luxembourg Space Agency and ESA can be a very good opportunity for Europe by pooling our capabilities in a network of space agencies that embodies the European ideal in space.\u201d<\/p>\n

SES President and CEO Steve Collar adds: \u201cThe Grand Duchy has a proud history in space. The Luxembourg Space Agency is an important step for the country\u2019s future as a space leader. Harnessing the country\u2019s investment culture and educational resources is helping to drive our business and put Luxembourg in the forefront as a spacefaring nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a public institution promoting the economic development of the space sector, directing the SpaceResources.lu initiative, managing national space programmes and international relations regarding space industry-related issues, the Luxembourg Space Agency is partnering with (in alphabetical order):<\/p>\n