The 2025 Cassini Challenges edition on the search for innovative, space-based solutions and ideas that could help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The University of Latvia’s (UL) Institute of Astronomy has been recognized as a partner of the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence (UN-GGCE), highlighting the institute’s contributing role in supporting highly accurate observations and measurements.
EUSPA invites stakeholders to register for its User Consultation Platform (UCP), an online forum designed to enhance the use of EU Space components. Join on October 8th to share your experiences, expertise, and user requirements.
At the end of August, Allatherm SIA obtained the EN 9100:2018 certification, underscoring its dedication to upholding the highest international standards in safety, quality, and performance within the aerospace and terrestrial industries. This milestone marks a significant advancement for Latvia's space industry, further solidifying the country's presence in this rapidly evolving and developing field.
The Ministry of Education and Science, in collaboration with the ESA, is offering valuable business training for Latvian companies and research organizations working in the space sector. During the training, which will take place in Riga on October 28, participants will gain skills to develop potential business cases in the space industry and better prepare for negotiations with ESA representatives.
The European Space Agency (ESA) hosted the Industry Space Days (ISD) on September 18–19, 2024, at ESA/ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. This year, nine Latvian space companies showcased their innovations at the “Mission Latvia” booth, marking the largest Latvian delegation to date at this leading bi-annual industry event.
On September 18, the final of the 7th CASSINI space hackathon of the European Union (EU) took place, bringing together 10 teams from various European countries, including Latvia. Team "NEAMO," representing Latvia, qualified for the international competition after winning the national selection, presenting their unique solution - using satellite image data for fish disease risk estimation and early detection.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will organize the Industry Space Days (ISD) at ESA/ESTEC (Noordwijk, The Netherlands) on 18–19 September 2024.
The ISD is hosted by the SME section in the ESA Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry, and Competitiveness, aiming to foster cooperation among various stakeholders in the entire space sector.
On September 27, 2024, the European Researchers' Night activities will take place across Latvia, offering a diverse program in 35 venues. During this annual event, every science enthusiast and interested person is invited to explore research more closely and understand its crucial role in the modern world. The activities are free of charge and suitable for the whole family.
The 7th CASSINI hackathon will take place in Riga, dedicated to the use of satellite data for the realization of sustainable development business ideas.The space industry hackathon will be held in two parts. First, local hackathons will be held simultaneously in 10 countries, including Latvia. Their winners will participate in the European-level hackathon, which will take place online on September 18.
[EN below]
Kā pētnieks Dr.sc.ing. Kaspars Kalniņš ir veltījis savu darbu kompozītmateriālu konstrukciju izturības izpētei. Zinātnieka ilggadējā aizraušanās ar kosmosu rezultējusies ar stažēšanos Eiropas Kosmosa aģentūrā, kā arī sadarbības turpināšanu ar Vācijas Kosmosa aģentūru.
Asteroid "(658787) Alksnis = 2017 UM95" - the asteroid discovered on the night of October 19, 2017 at the Baldone Astrophysics Observatory was confirmed with that name in June of this year. The name was given in honor of Andrejs Alksnis, a researcher at the Baldone Astrophysics Observatory. The observations of the newly discovered asteroid were made by the leading researcher of the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Latvia (LU), Dr.Phys. Ilgmārs Eglītis, and coordinate measurements - Vilnius University's leading researcher of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, Dr.Phys. Kazimieras Černis.
Rēzekne Academy of Technology and SIA "Allatherm" in a joint research and development project of the European Space Agency are investigating the possibilities for superhydro and aerophilic surface heat exchange equipment of metals obtained with the help of laser technology in space vehicles.
The probe "Juice" of the European Space Agency made a flyby of the Moon, on the night of August 20 to 21, it made a flyby of the Earth. Such a flyby is the first such maneuver in the history of space exploration and is an important step on the way for Juice to the Jupiter system, which is planned to reach in 2031. In order to successfully carry out the mission, Ventspils University is part of the "Juice" team.
The model created by astronomers of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has already made it possible to understand that the composition of interstellar ice is similar in different cosmic nebulae, since the composition of ice is regulated simultaneously by several mechanisms. Further applications of this model will bring new discoveries, including about the processes during the birth of stars.
Latvia is among the 10 countries organizing the 7th Cassini Hackathon, which will take place on 13-15 September 2024. The aim is to develop satellite data-based solutions for sustainable development. The event is organized by the Latvian Space Industry Association and will be supported by several partners and four challenge owners, who will share real-world problems and opportunities that can be harnessed using Earth observation and satellite navigation data.
Computer science graduates of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences have created a start-up company "Nanocraft" Ltd in the field of space modeling, informed Ventspils University of Applied Sciences public relations specialist Rota Rulle.
It may not be until 2036, but Europe is looking into how to send data centres into space in a sustainable way. Since generative artificial intelligence’s (AI) take off, the demand for data centres has rocketed but with land shortages and the need for power, Europe is looking into sending data centres to space in a bid for data sovereignty and energy efficiency.
The Latvian-based technology start-up "Nanocraft" models the target spacecraft comet of the European Space Agency's "Comet Interceptor", its activity and possible flight scenarios. Such a mission with an unknown target comet is being developed for the first time.
New professional opportunities have opened for citizens, that Latvia has become an Associate Member state of the European Space Agency (ESA). As part of the "Deep Tech Atelier" Technology Conference, the ESA Career Day was held in Latvia for the first time. This event gathered representatives of international organizations and local individuals interested in connecting their professional activities with the space industry in the future.
For already the 3rd time, Deep Tech Atelier will host the European Space Agency (ESA) Days in Latvia. The event will take place on 16-17 May 2024 in Riga alongside several side events, including an ESA Career Day!
ESA Career Day is an event organized by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and ESA. The event aims to inspire Latvian citizens to apply for ESA permanent vacancies and student program vacancies.
Space Entrepreneurship Institute, Kozminski University and Polish Space Agency organise a conference on the topic of "Standards and best practises as a tool for risk prevention in the space sector", divided into two sessions: "Space Programme Management from Administrative and Business Perspective. How to define a favourable industrial policy for space? " and "The role of standards and good practises in space law".
SPACEtalks is a dynamic in-person event dedicated to fostering direct connections between investors and space-tech entrepreneurs - all while raising awareness about the industry’s current issues and trends; this time targeting both upstream and downstream sectors.
INNOspace Masters is the international innovation competition organised by the German Space Agency at DLR in cooperation with ESA, Airbus and OHB. Launched in 2015, it is open to companies of all sizes, start-ups, research institutions and universities, as well as individuals from all over the world.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched another call for applications this February for Young Graduate Trainees!
On 17-19 January, Winter Satellite Workshop 2024 will take place in Espoo Dipoli (Finland) together with Finnish Remote Sensing Days and FinCOSPAR Convention. Opportunity to exhibit, no participation fee for individuals and open call for abstracts!
On 12 and 18 September 2023, a series of four events related to Latvia's participation in ESA will take place: a briefing on ESA RPA, 1-to-1 consultations, technical requirements specification training and space project management and control training.
On 29 June in Riga, we will demonstrate nine most successful Latvian organisations developing space technologies or services will demonstrate their achievements in the space industry. The event is part of the 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists and will be opened by Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA.
