ESA at the European Space Conference 2026
ESA Takes Center Stage at the European Space Conference 2026
The 18th European Space Conference (ESC) is set to take place on January 27 and 28, 2026, at the Square Convention Centre in Brussels, Belgium. This year's edition promises to be a pivotal moment for European space policymakers, industry leaders, and experts as they gather to discuss strategic priorities for Europe in space. At the heart of the conference is the European Space Agency's (ESA) presence, which will be of particular strategic importance following the results of the ESA's Ministerial Council in November 2025.
A Historic Budget for European Space
The ESA's Ministerial Council approved an historic budget of €22.3 billion, strengthening Europe's position in the global space arena and reinforcing the agency's mandate in security and defence-related activities. This significant investment will have far-reaching implications for the development of European space capabilities, from space transportation and Earth observation to secure communications and technology development.
ESA's Strategy 2040: Five Key Goals
The ESA exhibition at the conference will present the five goals of ESA's Strategy 2040, which align with the outcomes of the Ministerial Council:
Protecting our planet and climate
ESA's efforts to protect the planet and mitigate the effects of climate change will be a key focus area. This includes the development of advanced Earth observation systems, such as the Copernicus programme, which provides critical data for climate monitoring and forecasting.
Exploring and discovering
The ESA will continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, with a focus on sending humans to the Moon and Mars. The agency's Artemis programme aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Strengthening European autonomy and resilience
The ESA will work to enhance European autonomy and resilience in space, including the development of independent navigation systems and the creation of a European space situational awareness capability.
Boosting European growth and competitiveness
The ESA will support European industry and innovation, fostering growth and competitiveness in the space sector. This includes the development of new technologies and the creation of jobs and opportunities for European citizens.
Inspiring Europe
The ESA will continue to inspire European citizens, particularly young people, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This includes the development of educational programmes and outreach activities that promote interest in space and STEM education.
A Stronger EU-ESA Partnership
A dedicated wall at the ESA exhibition will highlight the importance of the EU-ESA partnership for Europe's leadership in space and the competitiveness of the European economy. The exhibition will feature models of recent achievements in collaboration with the European Commission, including the MTG-S, Sentinel-4, and Galileo satellites.
Ameca: ESA's AI-Powered Robot Ambassador
Additional ESA exhibition elements will be located on the ground floor of the Square Convention Centre, including Ameca, ESA's AI-powered robot ambassador. Ameca is designed to interact with visitors and provide information about the ESA's activities and achievements.
Conference Programme Highlights
The conference programme will feature a range of sessions and events, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, ESA Directors, astronauts, and other senior experts will participate in the conference, providing insights and perspectives on the latest developments in European space policy and industry.
Where to Find More Information
For more details on the official programme of the conference, please check the organisers' official programme website: Programme – 18th European Space Conference. For a full programme of events involving ESA speakers, please check the ESA media programme here.
Conclusion
The 18th European Space Conference will be a pivotal moment for European space policymakers, industry leaders, and experts. The ESA's presence at the conference will be of particular strategic importance, following the results of the ESA's Ministerial Council in November 2025. The conference will provide a platform for discussion and collaboration on the latest developments in European space policy and industry, with a focus on the five goals of ESA's Strategy 2040. As the European space sector continues to evolve and grow, the conference will provide insights and perspectives on the future of European space capabilities and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Source: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Exhibitions/ESA_at_the_European_Space_Conference_2026
