History: Finland in space

The Act on Space Activities (63/2018) entered into force in January 2018 and it is complemented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Decree on Space Activities (74/2018). The Act lays down provisions on authorisation for space activities, conditions for authorisation, supervision of space activities and the registry of space objects. The purpose of the Act is to create a predictable and transparent operating environment for national space activities and to support the sector’s international competitiveness. 

Finland has taken an active role in promoting space business. In spring 2018, Business Finland launched the New Space Economy Programme, which offers funding, networks and export promotion services for developing international space-related business.

The National Strategy for Finland’s Space Activities was updated in 2018. Its objective is to make Finland the world’s most attractive and agile space business environment that benefits all companies operating here. Specific measures have been identified to support the achievement of this objective. The measures are divided into three themes: requirements for market access, international influencing, and research. A main responsible actor is designated for each measure. Each theme area has concrete numerical or verbal targets that are to be achieved by 2025. 

The UN Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to address issues related to the use and research of space, and to prepare draft conventions and resolutions. The Committee meets annually in Vienna. It has two subsidiary bodies: the Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Finland was accepted as a member of the Committee at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2018.

The most important priorities of Finland’s Presidency, climate change and sustainable growth, were taken into account in the space policy themes. Under Finland’s leadership, the Council conclusions were prepared on the significance of space solutions when promoting sustainable growth in the Arctic region. Finland also brought into discussion issues related to the sustainable use of space. The European Commission organised the European Space Week in Helsinki as a side event during Finland’s Presidency on 3 to 5 December 2019. The aim of the event was to raise awareness among companies and other actors of the opportunities and achievements of the European space programmes.