The Finnish Space Committee brings national actors together

Space matters are by their nature horizontal and cross administrative boundaries. The perspectives of the various administrative branches are brought together by the Finnish Space Committee, which operates under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Provisions on the duties and composition of the Committee are set out in the Government Decree on the Finnish Space Committee (739/2019).

The Committee plays a key role in Finland’s space administration. The Committee steers the practical implementation of the national space strategy, and works to create a better operating environment for the space sector, better conditions for business and research, and closer cooperation between administrative branches. The Committee promotes international cooperation and Finland’s contribution in the space sector by participating in ESA programme selection and in the preparation of national opinions on space-related matters in the EU. Furthermore, it follows the sector’s national and international regulation, practices and developments, prepares proposals and issues statements on the direction of the sector’s regulation, administrative practices, financing and international cooperation, and promotes visibility and communication in the space sector.

Composition of the Finnish Space Committee 9 October 2025 - 8 October 2028:

Chair:
Juhapekka Ristola, Director General, Ministry of Employment and the Economy

Vice-Chair: 
Sabina Lindström, Director General, Ministry of Transport and Communications  

Members:
Minna Bloigu, Chief Information Officer, Ministry of the Interior
Timo Herranen, Major General/Commander, Air Force, Finnish Defence Forces
Laura Höijer, Research Director, Ministry of the Environment
Lauri Kangas, Chief Technology Officer, Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries PIA
Janne Känkänen, Chief Executive Officer, National Emergency Supply Agency
Sirkku Linna, Director General, Ministry of Education and Culture
Ville Meskus, Director, Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries PIA/ReOrbit Oy
Marianne Nissilä, Counsellor for Foreign Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Lassi Noponen, Director General, Business Finland
Mikko Peltonen, Research Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Jaan Praks, Chair/Associate Professor, Finnish National Committee of COSPAR/Aalto University
Jouni Pulliainen, Director, Finnish Meteorological Institute
Jarkko Saarimäki, Director General, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom
Jussi Vauhkonen, Executive Director, Research Council of Finland
Markku Viitasaari, Brigadier General/Director of Unit, Ministry of Defence

The Committee has a secretariat appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. 

In addition, there are seven working groups for intersectoral preparation. 

Annual report of the Finnish Space Committee (in Finnish)