By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The European Space Agency
(ESA) and space systems provider OHB SE have reaffirmed their commitment to
advancing resilient, secure and sovereign space capabilities as Europe seeks to
strengthen its technological independence and security in an evolving global
environment.
During a visit to OHB SE’s
headquarters in Bremen, Germany, Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Resilience,
Navigation and Connectivity and Head of ECSAT, met with the company’s
leadership team to discuss shared priorities for the future of European space
systems.
Jaffart highlighted the
importance of strong cooperation between ESA and industry partners in
delivering innovation, resilience and competitiveness for ESA Member States,
particularly as the strategic and security landscape continues to change.
He said the demand for
adaptable, reliable and interoperable space systems has become increasingly
critical, requiring closer collaboration between public institutions and the
private sector to develop advanced capabilities.
As part of its strategy, ESA
has brought together resilience, navigation and connectivity under a unified
vision aimed at accelerating the development of integrated space solutions that
support the security and defence priorities of Member States, the European
Union and related agencies.
The discussions with OHB SE
focused on several strategic programmes and technologies, including Europe’s
global navigation satellite system Galileo, the upcoming secure multi-orbital
satellite constellation IRIS², optical and quantum communications, optical and
low Earth orbit (LEO) positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) in-orbit
demonstrators, and future secure connectivity systems.
Jaffart emphasized that
strengthening partnerships with European space industry players will be
essential to developing the technologies and capabilities needed to support
Europe’s long-term security, economic prosperity and autonomy in space.
OHB SE is one of ESA’s key
industrial partners, contributing to the development of satellite systems and
space technologies that support European and international space programmes.
