Space is within reach! The European Space Agency is inviting students to apply for its 2026 Student Internship Programme. Whether you're into engineering, science, IT, business, economics or social sciences, there’s a place for you among the stars. Explore opportunities and apply by 30 November.
Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR), Leonardo (Borsa Italiana: LDO) and Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) aimed at combining their respective space activities into a new company.
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC) and its Scientific Director, Dr. Uģis Cābulis, have been shortlisted for the Plastics Industry Awards 2025 in the category Polyurethane Innovation. This is an important international recognition that highlights the institute’s competence and contribution to advanced materials research and development.
Latvian high-tech company Allatherm, the country’s leading manufacturer of electronic thermal management solutions, has signed a €2.9 million contract with the Italian company Thales Alenia Space for the design and production of advanced cooling systems for the international Lunar Gateway project. This opportunity is made possible through Latvia’s status as an Associate Member of the European Space Agency (ESA), coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science.
On Tuesday, October 7, the government approved Latvia’s plan to sign the international cooperation framework known as the Artemis Accords, also referred to as the Artemis Agreement on Peaceful and Sustainable Space Exploration. The accords establish fundamental principles for how countries collaborate in space exploration and technological development, based on transparency, responsibility, and sustainability. Notably, the decision proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers was adopted during World Space Week, which is celebrated worldwide from October 4 to 10.
Riga hosted the first international conference in the Baltic Sea region, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS2025), one of the most important European space data and technology events held every two years. This was the seventh conference, which this year brought together more than 520 participants from 44 countries worldwide, including scientists, technology experts, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond. The event demonstrated that Latvia is increasingly strengthening its place in the European space and innovation ecosystem by hosting a large-scale international conference.
This autumn, the Astronomical Tower of the University of Latvia (UL) begins its 40th season of astronomical demonstrations, promising special celestial observations with the most powerful telescope in the tower’s history. The new telescope will allow visitors to observe fainter celestial objects and, thanks to its precise tracking system, also the hard-to-spot planets Uranus and Neptune. The telescope was acquired in cooperation with the UL Foundation, thanks to 109 donors, as informed by Jana Saulīte, Head of the University’s Public Relations Department.
From 22 to 26 September, at the University of Latvia’s House of Nature, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia organized the “Big Data Foundations for Earth Observation Training Course”. The course provided fundamental knowledge and practical skills in working with satellite data, processing it, and applying it in environmental research and innovation development.
The space sector in Europe is developing rapidly and gaining increasing importance. The new European Union (EU) Space Act proposal aims to reduce space debris, strengthen cybersecurity, and create a common market for space services. The Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), as the national authority responsible for the space sector, invites Latvian scientific institutions, companies, and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the draft regulation and submit comments by September 25 of this year.
On 27 July 2020, Latvia became an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA). Over the past five years, this status has laid a solid foundation for the development of Latvia’s space sector, opening doors to international cooperation, scientific growth, technological innovation, and the development of human capital.
Today, the field of radio astronomy has experienced a resurgence in ‘transient’ science, with more and more astronomical phenomena found to be active on timescales of months, weeks, and even within a single day. For example, high-mass stars form in short, intense bursts of mass accretion that display active variations on day-long timescales.
Startups in the space sector will be able to receive grants of €80,000 through the European Space Agency's business incubator in Latvia, ESA BIC Latvia, as outlined in a new agreement between the incubator and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) for the implementation of the project "Support for the Development of New Technologies at ESA BIC Latvia."
SIA Baltic Satellite Service has launched a cutting-edge remote forest monitoring solution powered by satellite data and Earth observation analytics. Delivered via the GeoHub.net platform, this service offers both free and commercial satellite imagery to provide real-time insights into forest dynamics across the Baltic region.
Today, 25 June 2025, the government supported amendments proposed by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), which envisage an additional investment of 4.9 million euros in the European Space Agency (ESA) programmes. This funding will contribute to the development of Latvia's science and high-tech sector, promote the participation of businesses and research institutions in international projects and provide tangible economic benefits. At the same time, it will strengthen the potential for innovation and international cooperation, which are essential for ensuring Latvia's competitiveness and security. Together with the state budget co-financing, Latvia's contribution in 2026 will reach six million euros.
The Summer 2025 issue of Urethanes Technology International includes a comprehensive article highlighting the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry’s contribution to the development of Europe’s latest space launch vehicle – Ariane 6.
On 4 June 2025, the Latvian Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of Latvia Ms Namrata Satdeve Kumar. During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in higher education and research, as India is one of the world's leading exporters of information technology and innovation.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened online registration for the international conference on big data from space, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS 2025). This large-scale event will take place for the first time in the Baltic Sea region, in Riga, from 29 September to 3 October. The conference will offer a broad and diverse programme, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the use of satellite data in science, innovation, and the development of solutions that matter to society.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has officially launched the 6th national call for proposals (Requesting Party Activities - RPA) open to Latvia-registered organisations. This open procurement opportunity is designed to support innovative ideas that can be transformed into high-added value products and services for the space industry. The call will remain open until 14th July.
Step into the future of space and technology at the CASSINI Space Camp 2025 (July 23-30), Latvia’s most exciting summer adventure for teens passionate about space, science, and innovation! Registration open until June 6.
On May 23, 2025, Latvian representatives participated in a meeting of the European Union (EU) Competitiveness Council in Brussels. During the meeting, important issues regarding the development of science, innovation, and space technologies in Europe were discussed, emphasising their importance for public safety, research opportunities, and the accessibility of modern technologies in everyday life.
On 23 May 2025, Latvia officially accedes to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, or the Outer Space Treaty. Its aim is to sustain peace and security, reduce conflict risk and promote cooperation in the outer space.
From 19 to 21 May 2025, representatives of the European Space Agency (ESA) and OHB Systems AG, a leading German satellite manufacturer, visited Latvia to strengthen cooperation with Latvian institutions, companies and research organisations in the space sector. The visit included meetings with the Latvian Space Office, as well as representatives from industry and research institutions, to review Latvia’s achievements within ESA programmes and explore future cooperation opportunities.
The European Space Agency (ESA) invite early-career professionals to apply for its Junior Professional Programme (JPP)—a unique opportunity to become part of Europe’s future in space.
On May 14–15, 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) hosted the "New Capabilities and Countries in European Space Sector Conference" at ESA/ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. The event brought together emerging and established players in the space industry to foster new partnerships and promote international cooperation across Europe.
This year’s Deep Tech Atelier (May 15-16) brings the future of space innovation to center stage. On May 15, the Deep Frontier Stage will explore how space is becoming commercial, collaborative, and crucial to our global future.
Horizon Europe Info Days aims to inform potential applicants about the funding opportunities within the Work Programme 2025 of the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 "Digital, Industry and Space".
Riga Technical University, in collaboration with Aalto University and Stockholm University, invites students and academic staff to participate in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme - Space Industry-Science Workshop. Starting August 18, this unique programme offers hands-on experience in space mission planning with leading experts. Applications are open until May 31, 2025.
The Ministry of Education and Science invites all Latvian space sector stakeholders to contribute to shaping Latvia’s strategic involvement in the upcoming ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM25) for the 2026–2028 period.
The 9th edition of the CASSINI Hackathon, a key initiative under the European Commission’s space entrepreneurship program, will take place from 16–18 May 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania, alongside several other European cities. Under the theme “Space for Healthcare,” this year’s event invites participants from Europe—especially the Baltic region—to co-create space-based solutions to modern health challenges.
The Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) welcomes Latvia’s Federation of Security and Defence Industries (FSDI), amplifying Europe’s defence voice with Baltic perspectives. Strengthening cross-border collaboration and resilience in European security and industry.
