European policy makers are looking for ways to put space technology at the service of security in Tartu

Mario Kadastik, Head of the Estonian Delegation to the European Interparliamentary Space Conference, which is organising the meeting, said that while so far the military and civilian components had been kept very clearly apart in the use of space, there had been cross-use in the context of the war in Ukraine. “This new reality now needs to be brought into broader focus as to how we can more effectively use and develop both civil and military infrastructure in space to ensure space-based security in the future,” he added.

On the opening day of the meeting, which will be held at Tartu Observatory, the politicians and experts will focus on how to use space technology to ensure maritime security, taking into account recent incidents of damage to underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. As one option, the space sector can support better surveillance to identify threats and support security.

Another topic to be discussed will be the potential of cyber defence in the development of the space sector. The impact and the opportunities the space cybersecurity training area being developed in Estonia will have for the development of space sector and the security of satellite technologies in Europe will also be addressed. Representatives of the European Space Agency, the European Space Research Institute, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and Estonian companies Cybernetica, Spaceit and Kappazeta will take part in the discussions.

On the second day of the meeting, the European parliamentarians will visit the European Space Agency’s business incubation centre in Tartu, where they will meet Estonian space sector entrepreneurs. The incubator was opened in 2017, and its aim is to help Estonian start-ups reach the international market by providing them with initial funding and industry mentoring. The centre’s lead partner is Tartu Science Park.

The two-day event will bring together policy makers and experts from ten European countries. The meeting is part of the Presidency of the European Interparliamentary Conference on Space, which will also include a plenary session in Estonia in autumn.

Please note: Members of the press who wish to cover the event are asked to register by Friday, 25 April at the latest at press@riigikogu.ee. The debates can be followed directly. The working language of the meetings will be English.

Programme on Monday, 28 April

8:45 – tour of Tartu Observatory

10:45 – 16:30 – discussions at Tartu Observatory

Programme on Tuesday, 29 April

10:45 – Visit to European Space Agency’s business incubation centre and meeting with entrepreneurs

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
karin.kangro@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: European policy makers are looking for ways to put space technology at the service of security in Tartu

Source: Parliament of Estonia