YEESS made a remarkable impact in this 17th ESC with members actively participating in high-profile panels. Our President and Vice President also gained significant media attention, spotlighting the current challenges faced by young European space companies.
Launch of the YEESS Observatory
For the first time ever, YEESS unveiled its Observatory : a comprehensive report detailing the progress of our members. Both ESA and European Commission representatives expressed admiration for the growth of YEESS members and recognized the vital role of emerging players in the industry.
Available in both print and digital formats, the YEESS Observatory will be an annual publication, providing transparent updates on how YEESS members are advancing Europe’s space ambitions.
YEESS’ Participation in Eight Major Panels
YEESS President, Juan Tomas Hernani, spoke at the Towards a European Space Industrial Strategy panel alongside Catherine Kavvada, Director for Secure and Connected Space at DG DEFIS. Hernani emphasized the need for institutions to trust young companies with prime industry roles and encouraged traditional companies to collaborate with newcomers to foster fairer competition and innovation.
Extract of Juan Tomas’ panel contribution
Vice President Nicolas Capet participated in the Solving the Competitiveness Equation for a Sovereign Europe panel, where he joined industry leaders including Josef Aschbacher (European Space Agency), Timo Pesonen (European Commission), and Rodrigo da Costa (EUSPA). Nicolas highlighted the critical contributions of young companies to the EU space industry, stating:
“We promote innovation, bring added value to the traditional space sector, and are creating jobs while expanding our businesses beyond Europe.”
In addition, Maxime Jambon from Exotrail participated in the Developing European Capabilities and Ensuring Space Sustainability: In-Orbit Servicing and Active Debris Removal panel, while Xavier Llairo of Pangea Aerospace spoke at the Infrastructure, Operations, and Launchers for Agile, Sustainable, and Competitive Launch Services panel.
Rosa Ruiloba from Unseenlabs participated in the Earth Observation Governmental Services and Commercial Satellite Imagery for Security and Defense panel.
Benoît Deper from Aerospacelab and Stella Guillen from Isar Aerospace joined the Accelerating Europe’s Space Ecosystem: Perspectives from Companies and Investors panel.
Juan Tomas Hernani, in his capacity as both YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis, also participated in The Business of Space: Opportunities and Challenges in the Investment Journey panel alongside Dinka Dinkova from DG DEFIS.
Celebrating Milestones in Copernicus Contributing Missions
The European Space Conference also marked a significant milestone, with members Constellr, Satlantis, and Aerospacelab among the nine European scale-ups officially recognized as Copernicus Contributing Missions joining the Copernicus Space Data Ecosystem (CSDE) as emerging data suppliers. This milestone strengthens their position in the space sector, enhancing visibility and expanding service capabilities within the ESA’s and European Commisison’s Copernicus program.
Networking Opportunities at the YEESS Dinner
YEESS members participated in a networking dinner with institutional partners from the Iris2 program, DG DEFIS, and ESA Commercialisation. The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for discussions on the role of emerging players in the space industry and for strengthening partnerships, indicating a real synergy between institutions and the industry.
Media Coverage: YEESS in the Spotlight
YEESS received extensive media coverage, appearing in major outlets such as EuroNews and specialized media like theSpace Intel Reportby Peter de Selding,La Lettreand La Chronique Spatiale highlighting our syndicate’s growing influence in the space sector.
In the context of the 17th European Space Conference, the first YEESS Observatory has been oficially launched. This observatory aims to provide transparency regarding our members’ revenue, contribution to job creation, research investment and private capital from 2021 to 2023.
This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term effort to track and demonstrate how YEESS members are collectively advancing Europe’s space ambitions.
Key data from the Observatory:
Members tripled their team size in only two years
Members increased their revenue by 174%
Members’ cumulative research investments are worth €93 million
The creation of this report would not have been possible without the active involvement of YEESS members who we extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedicated participation.
This year has been incredibly exciting for YEESS, marked by collaboration and hard work. We’ve achieved numerous milestones and are thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishments of our members.
As part of this annual recap, you’ll find a heartfelt thank you note from our President and Vice President, a summary of the events that YEESS has attended or helped organize, as well as highlights of our members’ notable achievements.
A thank you note from our President and Vice president
“This year YEESS had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the EU Commission and ESA, with whom we maintain continuous dialogue in support of a fair, inclusive, and sustainable European space industry. We appreciate their openness and trust and look forward to further discussions in the future. Additionally, we are excited to witness the upcoming developments under Mr. Andrius Kubilius, who has already begun his term as EU Commissioner for Defence and Space. The work we have achieved would not be possible without the contribution of YEESS members. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. YEESS is eager to contribute to the success of the sector, helping shape a prosperous and dynamic future for the European space community. Let’s keep advancing Europe’s Space ambitions in 2025.”
YEESS President, Juan Tomas Hernani and Vice president, Nicolas Capet
YEESS Event Recap
Member News
Our members have achieved remarkable growth and reached several key milestones in 2024. Below is a summary of some of these notable accomplishments.
Aerospacelab opened a U.S. satellite manufacturing facility and signed a deal with Vyoma for a space surveillance satellite. Anywaves delivered its 1000th product and was recognized as a France 2030 Laureate. Cailabs’ OGS joined the Obs2OGS Project and successfully tested KERAUNOS. Constellr became an ESA Rising Star of 2024 and formed a partnership with the German Space Agency. Latitude secured a multi-year launch contract for life science missions with ATMOS Space Cargo.
Exolaunch won an €18M contract for launch services and partnered with UNOOSA for CubeSat missions. Exotrail deployed a CubeSat for Airbus and tested Veoware technology. Isar Aerospace signed a €15M deal with ESA and raised over €220M in Series C funding. Pangea Aerospace was assigned by ESA to prepare for the Very High Thrust Engine and achieved steady-state operation with its U-Nyx thruster.
ReOrbit secured a GEO satellite deal with Uzma Berhad and passed the PDR for its UKKO mission with ESA. Satlantis launched its sixth Earth Observation mission, HORACIO, and expanded its presence in France. Unseenlabs launched BRO-14 and BRO-15 and tested the KERAUNOS satellite. U-Space opened a new small satellite factory and signed the NESS+ contract with CNES.
Looking Forward to 2025
We’re excited for the upcoming projects, starting by the launch of the YEESS Member Observatory at the 17th European Space Conference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us! YEESS will have its own booth at the Conference.
The Space Tech Expo Europe provided an incredible platform for industry leaders to showcase their latest advancements and foster meaningful discussions about the future of space technology. At this year’s event, YEESS members celebrated key milestones and forged new partnerships that continue to push Europe’s space ambitions forward.
Key Announcements & Partnerships
Isar Aerospace secured a major €15 million deal with ESA as part of their Boost Program, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Exotrailconfirmed the inclusion of its Spacevan on the Ariane 6 mission, set for launch in the second half of 2026.
Latitudesigned a multi-year agreement with Atmos Space Cargo for life sciences missions using its Zephyr launcher.
Exolaunch partnered with High Performance Space Structure Systems (HP3S) in Munich to promote sustainable space infrastructure.
U-Space joined forces with Neuraspace to develop AI-driven solutions aimed at safeguarding future space missions.
Satlantis and Teledyne Space Imaging announced their collaboration to develop commercial space Front-End Electronics for the CIS125 TDI detector.
Constellrparticipated in the CASSINI pitching competition, receiving excellent feedback for theirinnovative solutions.
Pangea Aerospace engaged in CASSINI matchmaking activities, connecting with SMEs and start-ups to further strengthen the European space ecosystem.
YEESS Members at the Forefront of Discussions
In addition to showcasing their innovations, YEESS members were actively involved in speaking engagements at various panels and conferences, sharing their expertise with the broader space community.
Juan Tomas Hernani, YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis, spoke at the ECSECO Panel on Women Space Entrepreneurs and Small Satellite Imaging Performance.
Stella Guillen, CCO of Isar Aerospace, participated in the Industry Conference Panel discussing industry trends and future growth.
Jeanne Allarie, CCO of Exolaunch, contributed to the Micro-Launch Services Market panel, discussing consolidation and opportunities in the sector.
Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, Chief Policy, Legal, and Government Relations Officer of Exolaunch, shared her insights at the EU Space Law: Ambitions and Challenges panel.
Pekka Salonen, VP of Engineeringat ReOrbit, spoke at the Tech Spotlight on Satellite Technology Innovation, shedding light on the future of satellite technology.
Jeanne Allarie, CCO of ExolaunchJuan Tomas Hernani, YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis
Key Takeaways from the EU Space Law Panel
The EU Space Law is a topic of interest for many actors in the space industry. Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher’s insights at the this year’s EU Space Law panel were particularly impactful. Some key points from her discussion included :
The EU Space Law should be seen as a means to support broader space policy objectives, rather than an end in itself.
The space capabilities and regulatory approaches vary greatly across EU countries, requiring a flexible and tailored approach.
The law must enhance, not hinder, the global competitiveness of European space entities.
The law should account for the diversity of space actors, offering a well-structured transition period for smooth adaptation.
Progress can be achieved through collaboration and voluntary agreements, rather than rigid regulations.
ESA plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation among space stakeholders
The law must cater to all sectors of the space industry, ensuring that all actors—big or small—can thrive while remaining competitive on the global stage.
Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher at the EU Space Law Panel on challenges and ambitions
Looking Ahead to the 17th European Space Conference
YEESS is excited about the remarkable achievements of its members at the Space Tech Expo Europe and is looking forward to the upcoming European Space Conference in Brussels. As Europe’s space sector continues to grow and innovate, YEESS is committed to supporting start-ups and SME’s in this promising journey.
As part of the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), YEESS held its third annual event bringing together key representatives from ESA, leaders of the European space industry and YEESS members.
The event kicked off with a welcoming speech from YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis, Juan Tomas Hernani. His speech was followed by a keynote from Charlotte Mathieu, Head of ESA’s Industrial Policy and Space Economy Division, who spoke on the future of ESA’s collaboration with young European space companies.
To close the event, Nicolas Capet, YEESS VP and CEO of Anywaves, joined YEESS President Juan Tomas Hernani and SpaceWatch Global Editor in Chief Emma Gatti to host an engaging quiz on the European Space Industry.
They shared key insights from the YEESS Observatory, offering attendees an exclusive preview.
President Juan Tomas Hernani and VP Nicolas Capet comment figures of YEESS Observatory
The YEESS Observatory
The YEESS Observatory aims to provide comprehensive data on the role of YEESS Members and their impact on the industry.
The Observatory covers crucial topics such as:
Revenue
Innovation
Job Creation
It will be fully unveiled during the 2025 European Space Conference.
Networking and Collaboration
The event also offered a valuable opportunity for European space industry professionals to network, discuss challenges faced by emerging space companies, and celebrate the achievements of YEESS members.
In addition, YEESS will be present at the 17th European Space Conference on January 28th to launch the YEESS Observatory and provide even deeper insights into the role of European space SME’s and their contributions to the European space industry.
Exploring New Horizons for the European Space Industry
On January 23rd YEESS members gathered in Brussels for the 16th European Space Conference. This event provided a key opportunity to engage with representatives from both the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission, facilitating discussions on the future of the European space sector.
Key Panels and Discussions
The conference featured several panels on pivotal topics shaping the space industry in Europe. Among these was “The EU Space Law: Towards a Single Market for Space,“ where Nicolas Capet, Vice President of YEESS and CEO of Anywaves, spoke on behalf of the association. Nicolas highlighted the unique challenges young space companies face as they navigate an evolving landscape within the European Union, addressing topics such as regulatory hurdles, funding, and market access.
Nicolas Capet, YEESS VP
In addition, Marta Massimiani, YEESS’s Presidency Spokesperson, joined discussions on the panel “European Space Policy: From Achievements to Future Ambitions.” Massimiani also presented in the talk titled “Earth Observation Applications for Methane Detection,” emphasizing the critical role of space-based technologies in addressing environmental challenges.
Marta Massimiani, YEESS Presidency Spokesperson
Another significant contribution from YEESS members came during the panel discussion on “Ensuring the Development of a European Ecosystem for Autonomous and Strategic Access to Space.” This panel featured Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace; Xavier Llairo, YEESS Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer of Pangea Aerospace; and Stanislas Maxim, CEO of Latitude. Their insights emphasized the importance of building a self-sustaining European space ecosystem to strengthen Europe’s independent and strategic access to space.
Further contributing to the event’s discourse on the commercial potential of the European space industry, YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis Juan Tomas Hernani and Benoît Deper, CEO of Aerospacelab and YEESS founding member, participated in the panel “Space Commercialisation: Empowering a Competitive European Space Ecosystem.”
Left to right: Benoît Deper, CEO of Aerospacelab and Juan Tomas Hernani, YEESS President
Building Relationships to Strengthen European Space Initiatives
As part of its commitment to fostering connections and collaboration, YEESS organized a dinner event in Brussels. Attended by both YEESS members and representatives from ESA and the European Commission, the dinner provided another setting for further discussion on issues central to young European space companies, helping to forge strong ties and encourage open dialogue.
A Step Towards a Unified European Space Vision
The 16th European Space Conference proved to be a valuable platform for YEESS and its members. This event not only underscored the strategic goals for Europe’s future in space but also strengthened connections between young space companies and European stakeholders, marking a significant step toward a unified European space market.
In November, YEESS hosted its annual event alongside the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. This gathering celebrated the achievements of YEESS members and provided an invaluable networking platform.
The evening took off with an inspiring key note from YEESS President and CEO of Satlantis, Juan Tomas Hernani who outlined YEESS’ mission and shared insights into its future commitments.
YEESS Members
Industry Leadership and Investment Insights
In addition to the YEESS annual event, Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, YEESS Board Member, contributed her expertise on the Space Tech Expo Europe panel titled, “Maintaining the Upward Investment Trajectory in 2024 to Strengthen Europe’s Position in Space.”
Dr. Stelmakh-Drescher addressed critical topics for Europe’s space SMEs, including:
Access to European public funds and the necessity for robust advocacy to ensure fair allocation amidst competition with other industries.
Establishing a unified framework for global constellations to foster investor confidence.
Navigating Europe’s investment landscape, with a focus on overcoming risk aversion and understanding Europe’s evolving role on the international stage.
Addressing barriers for SMEs in bidding for public contracts, enhancing investment regulations, and the implications of EU Space Law.
Evaluating foreign direct investment in European space companies and concerns over economic sovereignty.
Exploring the viability of space-to-space markets and their potential to attract significant investment.
Dr. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher contributes to thepanel on “Maintaining the Upward Investment Trajectory in 2024 to Strengthen Europe’s Position in Space.”
Looking Ahead
YEESS extends heartfelt thanks to our members and other companies who attended, as well as to the organizers of Space Tech Expo Europe for hosting an exceptional event that highlighted European space innovation. The success of this year’s gathering reflects the shared dedication to advancing Europe’s position in the space sector.
We eagerly anticipate the next Space Tech Expo Europe 2024 and look forward to continued collaboration and achievements that will define the future of Europe’s space industry.
YEESS is excited to welcome ReOrbit, a leading provider of software-first satellites company based in Finland.
ReOrbit develops and manufactures small satellites, satellite constellations, and ground systems designed to enhance satellite communication, connectivity, and mission efficiency.
“We are thrilled to be part of the YEESS Syndicate. Together, through innovation and collaboration, we bring awareness that space is key to face this century’s urgent global challenges. We are excited to be part of this ecosystem and to join forces in fostering space implication in Europe’s ambitions.” Founder & CEO Sethu Saveda Suvanam.
ReOrbit is the twelfth member to join YEESS, bringing valuable expertise in connectivity and a deep understanding of the unique needs of Northern European space companies.
YEESS is excited to introduce Deep-tech French company, Cailabs as a full member. Cailabs’ CEO, Jean François Morizur also joined YEESS’ Member Board to steer the syndicate’s direction and missions along YEESS’ President, VP and other Board Members.
Cailabs specializes in advanced photonics and optical solutions. In the space sector, Cailabs provides solutions for satellite communication, improving the performance and efficiency of space-based optical networks.
With great expertise and growing team, Cailabs is positioning itself as a leader in optics, providing its innovative solutions worldwide.
We are delighted and grateful for Cailabs to join the esteemed YEESS Syndicate. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of advancing Europe’s competitiveness in the space industry. We look forward to collaborating with YEESS and other members to drive innovation and achieve new heights in space technology.
Thank you for the warm welcome, we are excited to embark on this journey together. – Jean François Morizur – Cailabs CEO
