Finland as a Member of ESA for 30 years, three decades of cooperation and success stories

The 30th anniversary of Finland's accession to European Space Agency ESA was 1 January 2025. Accession was an important step forward in the development of space technology and research in Finland.

Finland already had a long tradition of space research, but in 1995 we had the opportunity to participate in all ESA research programmes, which led to significant developments in the domestic space industry.

Cooperation between the European Space Agency and Finland's space research and space companies has strengthened over the years. In addition to telecommunications and remote sensing, we have been involved in the development of many software, measuring devices and science satellites. Finland's strong equipment expertise and the demand for sensors around the world have brought us success. In recent years, the shift from conventional space technology to increasingly smaller equipment has made the space economy possible also for small businesses.

Finland's NEW SPACE ECOSYSTEM is a vibrant and internationally recognised cluster of space companies that has produced numerous Finnish satellites to the sky. However, new companies and innovations would not be possible without historical and strong research expertise.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment's electronic celebration publication Finland as a Member of ESA for 30 years, three decades of cooperation and success stories consist of memories of space influencers during this period: how cooperation was carried out, how projects were built and what kind of reception they received in ESA and the world. In addition, writers have explained why space was of interest to them and what it has meant and given, both in working life and possibly in private life.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment thanks the authors for their rewarding work on the subject!

Finland as a Member of ESA for 30 years, three decades of cooperation and success stories (in Finnish)