(Photo) Golob: With full membership in Esa, we enable unique ventures

DK/STA

10. 1. 2025, 22.27

Updated: 10/01/2025, 22:29

“Slovenian companies achieve breakthrough results in the development of new technologies, communications and materials,” said the Prime Minister at the ceremony in the Noordung Center in Vitanje. He added that Slovenia is determined to be great in space, as are the potentials of the Slovenian space sector, and the government adopted the Slovenian space strategy for the first time in history during this mandate.

“The space sector, in cooperation with Esa, develops demanding high-tech solutions not only for space, but also for their adaptation for use in everyday life. It contributes to solving global challenges, climate change, protection against natural disasters and natural resource management, develops applications and studies space medicine for human health, satellite technologies such as navigation, observation, communication,” the Prime Minister listed.

According to him, in space activities, we are investing in our future, in research and development and the growth of business opportunities. According to him, the government has more than doubled the funds for innovation and development, “because knowledge and investment are the only things that can keep Slovenia at the top of the world”.

Slovenia becomes a full member of ESA in the year it celebrates its 50th anniversary

“There have never been such big challenges before ESA. We are witnessing that the space race is developing. But space must remain and become a place of peaceful cooperation for the good of all. Weapons in space have nothing to look for, and ESA is committed to this principle already since its inception,” Golob also said.

Aschbacher singled out Slovenia as an important and equal partner. “With full membership, you not only join the organization, but consolidate your place in a family united by a common vision of discovering innovation and human progress.” he said.

As he estimated, Slovenia brings exceptional capabilities and expertise to the agency, including advanced and revolutionary work in the field of micro satellites. “Your scientific excellence and entrepreneurial spirit will enrich our mission,” he added. According to him, cooperation is especially important in the race for space, and Slovenia has now got an opportunity for companies and scientists who can participate in ESA missions.

Slovenia marked its full membership with the new year today with a summit between Slovenia and ESA, which started in the morning in Rimske Toplice. Among other things, it was marked by presentations of Esa’s achievements and plans for the future, while representatives of companies and institutes summarized their views on the advantages of cooperation with the agency.

The Slovenian space sector consists of more than 40 companies, development institutes and three universities

As the head of the Slovenian space office said Tanja Permozer, full membership will open the door for companies to participate in programs in which the Slovenian space sector has not been able to participate so far. “It is about two programs, namely the basic technological research program and the scientific program. The possibility to participate in these programs shows the maturity of the Slovenian space sector,” she emphasized.

Among other things, the director of Sinergise presented the achievements made possible or facilitated by cooperation with Esa Grega Milčinski. “With its Sentinel Hub technology, Sinergise has taken a technological leap in space that would normally only be attributed to big players like Google. We’ve made it possible for anyone with internet access to keep track of how it’s changing our planet, from a few decades ago to a few hours ago. This way we can more easily become aware of the consequences of our actions and start changing the world for the better.” he said.

Slovenia has been cooperating with ESA, which is based in Paris, since 2009, when it signed an agreement for European participating countries. It strengthened its cooperation in 2016 by joining associate membership, and in 2020 with an association agreement. Last year, with the ratification of the agreement on full membership, it took the last step towards full integration into the organization.

Borut Živulović/Bobo