ESA to Host Virtual Event for Industry Partners to Unveil Strategic Space Initiatives

On January 14, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) is set to conduct a virtual event aimed at its industrial partners, intended to discuss the outcomes from the recent ESA Council at Ministerial Level held in Bremen, Germany. This event will feature presentations from ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and other high-ranking officials, who will outline the strategic direction for Europe’s space endeavors established during the ministerial meetings that took place on November 26 and 27.

The program will commence with an opening statement from Géraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, followed by a detailed analysis of the successful CM25 Ministerial Conference by Aschbacher. Participants will also hear from Eric Morel, who will discuss the conference’s implications for the Multiannual Financial Framework, along with insights on financial planning from Marco Ferrazzani, Director of Resources and Services.

Following a coffee break, sessions will cover various ESA programs, including connectivity and secure communications, navigation, and Earth observation. Directors responsible for these areas, such as Laurent Jaffart, Javier Benedicto, and Simonetta Chelli, will provide updates on their respective initiatives.

After a lunch break, the agenda will shift to topics like technology and engineering with Dietmar Pilz, commercialisation with Géraldine Naja again, and the future of space transportation led by Toni Tolker Nielsen. The sessions will conclude with discussions on human and robotic exploration, science, and operations, featuring directors from each segment.

Participants interested in joining must register by January 12, 2026, at 22:00 CET. Additional information on the event and logistical details will be accessible via ESA’s online platform, esa-star.