Gold sponsors
The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation is in charge of implementing Belgium's foreign policy. Its mission is to serve, defend and promote the interests of Belgium and Belgians abroad, to stimulate the coherence of the country's actions on the international scene and to coordinate Belgium's European policy as a federal country. The FPS works towards a secure, just and prosperous world.
The “Space Research and Applications” directorate is responsible for managing Belgium’s space programme on a daily basis, both on a European and bilateral level.
Belgium has been active in the space sector for the past thirty years and was at the origin of the foundation of the European Space Agency (ESA). The directorate manages all the space programmes, i.e. space sciences, earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, international space station, exploration, launchers, technology and science programmes.
For this purpose, it is in permanent contact with the industrial and scientific world to ensure its maximum involvement in these different programmes. Special attention is given to the development of products with a high technological value, ensuring a maximum return on investment in terms of our country’s financial help.
The European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)
EUMETSAT is an intergovernmental organisation and was founded in 1986. Our purpose is to supply weather and climate-related satellite data, images and products – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – to the National Meteorological Services of our Member States in Europe, and other users worldwide.
Through its longstanding ESA heritage, QinetiQ offers the design, build, launch and operation of complex space infrastructure, ground stations, subsystems and satellites. The PROBA remote sensing satellites were designed and built at our facilities near Antwerp, where today we deliver entire satellites and major satellite equipment including payload computers, remote terminal units, and mass memories.
Many companies can benefit from geo data and insights. But with variable needs, different industries call for different applications of remote sensing technology. During years of global public research, our engineering staff has built the expertise required to find the right approach for every need. We will tell you how we can measure water quality from space, how we help define new satellite missions to monitor global vegetation on a daily basis, how we can predict crop yields by combining multiple data sets, and much more.
SABCA designs and manufactures actuation systems and integrated structures for the aerospace industry, and provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the defence sector. For the space industry, SABCA delivers key aerostructures as well as the thrust vector control systems for all the engines of all the rockets of both the Ariane and the Vega families of launchers. These systems are essential to guide the rocket on its right path. This unique capability was used to perform the flap control of ESA’s Intermediate Experimental Vehicle, and was chosen as preferred solution for its follow-up, the Space Rider.
SPACEBEL is a Belgian Space systems & software engineering company operating in the Space & Earth monitoring applications sectors.
We are specializing in:
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Small satellite solutions for Earth observation
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On board software systems for satellites and space vehicles
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Satellite simulators
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Ground systems for control and mission centres
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Geospatial information systems and services
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.
ESA has 22 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Slovenia is an Associate Member. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement.
ESA develops the launchers, spacecrafts and ground facilities needed to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities.
As independent research public body created by regional decree, the Scientific Institute for Public Services, ISSeP, provides advice and support to Walloon administration and private companies in environmental metrology, exposure to electromagnetic field evaluation and risk assessment. ISSeP runs the environmental monitoring networks for air, surface waters, landfills and ionizing radiations on behalf of the Walloon Region. In that framework, it performs field sampling, chemical and ecotoxicological laboratory analyses and reporting to the regional authorities. With its more than 250 employees, ISSeP is one of the largest research centre of Wallonia. Since 3years, ISSeP has invested energy and resources to develop its expertise in using Earth Observation data for supporting regional public decision making but also to coordinate a Walloon platform of actors interested in EO products. Moreover, ISSeP makes use of satellite imagery, aerial photos or LiDAR digital elevation model to illustrate the use of remote sensing data in regional decision making in subject such as characterization of land cover and risks.
The ideal mix between economy, science and innovation to bring Flanders to the top of European regions: that’s what we're looking for. In the first place, the department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI) seeks to achieve this through the preparation, monitoring and evaluation of policy. The established policy is carried out by the agencies, while the advisory councils provide competent advice.
Flemish Government/Minister for work, economy, innovation and sports
Innoviris is the Brussels Institute for the encouragement of scientific research and innovation. Our mission is to support and stimulate research, development and innovation in and for Brussels through the funding of innovative projects by companies, research organisations and the non-commercial sector.
The Walloon public Service - Research (SPW Recherche) is the legal administration in charge of funding applied research for new technologies and energy for industries, academia and research centres, as well as of related international scientific co-operation. It is therefore the key advisory body for the Regional government authorities involving research and innovation policy. The “Research and Technological Development” department supports, amongst others, all Walloon space research and applications projects.
Silver sponsors
With a 1.2 Million € capital and more than 130 employees, Vitrociset operates from Belgium with two permanent establishments, one in Germany and one in The Netherlands - close to the operational (ESOC) and technological (ESTEC) centres of ESA - and with projects in Italy, Spain, France and the UK. Vitrociset is involved in the most important European space projects ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and reliability.
More than 40 years of experience in the field of Space Operations Service & Engineering activities, providing a significant contributions to most major Space programmes of the European Space Agency. We work on the ground to build bridges into space, contributing to the success of ambitious missions.
BELGOSPACE is the Belgian association of space industry, gathering the majority of Belgian companies and research centers active in the field of space technology.
BELGOSPACE was created in 1962 at the request of the Government to satisfy the need for coordination of the ELDO and ESRO activities. Since Belgospace has become the industry forum where common business problems and the main options relative to the strategy that Belgium should adopt in the space domain, are discussed.
BELGOSPACE represents more than 2,000 high-value direct jobs.
In Belgium, Thales Alenia Space is represented by its subsidiary Thales Alenia Space Belgium in Charleroi, in Leuven and Hasselt. This Belgian company is an expert in several high-technology fields.
Thales Alenia Space in Belgium is the Belgian front-runner in space electronics applications for satellites and launchers, a world leader in power conditioning and distribution for satellites, a key supplier of electronics for European launchers and will be the first automated manufactory of photovoltaic assemblies (PVA) in Europe.
OIP Sensor Systems was founded in 1919 and quickly established a reputation as a high-tech optical manufacturer. Based in Oudenaarde, OIP Sensor Systems has pioneered in electro-optical technologies, such as fibre optics, lasers, night vision and holography. In the ‘80ies, a Space Department was created, which has been involved in the design, development and manufacture of optical instruments for space applications, such as imaging spectrometers for planetary and earth observation, cameras for navigation and instrumentation for science missions.
Since 1985 Newtec has developed satellite communication equipment and technologies for broadcast; consumer & enterprise VSAT; government & defense; cellular backhaul & trunking and mobility, offshore & maritime. Our dedicated teams set industry standards with efficient, scalable and economical solutions. Together with our customers we make the world a safer, more informed and connected place.
Ideally located in Transinne on the Brussels - Luxembourg - Strasbourg European axis, the business park Galaxia is dedicated to space applications. It offers an unique concept developed by IDELUX, the economic development agency for Belgian Luxembourg. In 2008, IDELUX designed and implemented a 2,000 m² business centre which is connected via fibre optics to the ESA site in Redu and thereby directly linked to the necessary data for satellites applications development. Since its creation, it has welcomed internationally renowned companies such as Vitrociset but also innovative start-ups. Located next to the Euro Space Center which hosts students of all horizons, Galaxia also aims to offer internships, Master Thesis, PhD Thesis and other projects to students or researchers within established companies. Today, with a total of 130 specialized jobs, the area Redu-Transinne is gradually becoming the 3rd Walloon pole dedicated to the space sector.
Wallonie Espace is an association gathering 36 industries and universities concerned by Space research and development in Wallonia and Brussels. Its members are actively demonstrating expertise and excellence in various fields and with specific applications of Space technology, such as equipment for satellite payloads, launchers, system exploitation, space applications, etc. In 2017, Wallonie Espace represented some 1800 employees and a turnover of 360 M€.
Space Applications Services is privately owned, with its head office close to Brussels (BE), a subsidiary company, Aerospace Applications North America, in Houston (USA) and project teams at various other work locations (NL/DE/USA). Space Applications Services is EN 9100 certified.
We have recently celebrated 30 years of experience and success in the space business in developing systems for the European Space Agency (ESA), National Space Agencies, the aerospace industry as well as for the security markets industries.
Agoria means progress through technology. We are paving the way for all technology-inspired companies in Belgium pursuing progress internationally through the development or application of innovations. We believe in a cross industry approach for technology transfer, from Space industry to other enterprises and vice versa. We are proud that more than 1,800 member companies, trust in the three pillars of our services: consulting, business development and the creation of an ideal business environment.
Antwerp Space is a leading company in Belgium, active in the field of satellite communications. It is part of OHB SE, a European Space and Technology group that currently employs over 2400 people.
Antwerp Space’s core business is in the delivery of satellite communication solutions and products for scientific, exploration and telecommunication missions, as well as their ground segment extension with products and systems. Antwerp Space operates both on the commercial and institutional markets, supporting space agency programmes, as well as industrial company projects worldwide. The company activities have been located in Antwerp since 1962, when it was founded as part of Bell Telephone. We employ over 70 highly skilled engineers and PhDs from all over the world!
Bronze sponsors
EUROSENSE is a prominent commercial and highly specialised remote sensing organization, founded in 1964. Besides profound experience in aerial photogrammetry, digital orthophotography, cartography, hydrography, GIS and other products and services in a broad range of applications, EUROSENSE has built a high credibility in the processing of satellite remote sensing data.
EUROSENSE employs a staff of about 135 highly specialised members and provides information for the growing needs of managers, planners and decision makers from sectors such as agriculture, environment, security and urban planning.
M3 Systems is a 20 years old private SME specialized in radio-navigation technologies and applications, as well as in air traffic management. M3 Systems focusses on accurate and reliable solution for critical applications (such as autonomous systems). In this context, M3 Systems offers capabilities to develop innovative operational concepts, studies and software GNSS solutions.
M3 Systems is located in Belgium (in Brussels and in Wavre) and in France (close to Toulouse).
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RHEA Group offers aerospace and security engineering services and solutions, system development, and technologies. With 25 years of experience in the professional engineering service market, RHEA Group opens the world to the engineering services of tomorrow.
Located at the heart of the “Liege Science Park” in Sart Tilman, AMOS has been designing and building high-precision optical and mechanical custom equipment for more than 30 years. Its flagship achievements are professional telescopes, terrestrial or space optical systems, test equipment for space devices, and high-precision mechanical elements. It occupies today more than 100 employees highly skilled in advanced technologies and offers services to the space industry and to the professional astronomy sector, with more than 90% for export.
The company has most of its customers in Europe (ESA, ESO, AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE, THALES ALENIA SPACE, OHB), in the United States (AURA), in India (ISRO, PRL, ARIES), and has recently expanded its business in countries like China, Turkey or Russia.
Lambda-X: Based on in-depth optical expertise, system engineering, certified production processes and clean room infrastructure, Lambda-X creates and manufactures optical systems for Space & security, Industrial and medical applications.
Covered activities: Service Engineering related to Optical products: Innovation management - R&D – Prototyping – Pre-serial productions & Qualification – Serial productions – User support.
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