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YEESS Shines at the 17th European Space Conference

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 the Space Intel Report by Peter de Selding, La Lettre and La Chronique Spatiale highlighting our syndicate’s growing influence in the space sector.

YEESS Observatory Launch

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 full Observatory is available here.

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.

YEESS Members Lead the Way at Space Tech Expo Europe

Highlights from the 2024 Space Tech Expo Europe

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.
  • Exotrail confirmed the inclusion of its Spacevan on the Ariane 6 mission, set for launch in the second half of 2026.
  • Latitude signed 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.
  • Constellr participated 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 Engineering at ReOrbit, spoke at the Tech Spotlight on Satellite Technology Innovation, shedding light on the future of satellite technology.

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.

Learn more about Dr. Olga’s stance in this Space Tech Expo Europe Interview.

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.

YEESS hosts Annual Event during IAC

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.

YEESS President and VP share insights on YEESS Observatory
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.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar! YEESS members: Aerospacelab, Anywaves, Cailabs, Exotrail, Exolaunch, Isar Aerospace, Latitude, Pangea Aerospace, ReOrbit, Satlantis and U-Space will be exhibiting at the Space Tech Expo in Bremen on November the 19th.

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. 

More information to come soon.

YEESS attends the 16th European Space Conference

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 wasThe 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.

Highlights from Space Tech Expo Europe and the YEESS Annual Event

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 the panel 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.