The first Finnish seminar on satellites was held in Dipoli, Espoo, 17-18 January 2018. Small satellites are devices in the size of a few milk coffers, and to build and send them to space cost just a fraction compared to that of traditional large satellites. Although the satellites are small, they still carry a wide range of scientific and commercial applications. The seminar featured total 32 robust 20-minute presentations, particularly on small satellites. The lecturers came from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Holland. The number or attendants was about 200.  By now, Finland has already sent 3 satellites to space, the first one being Aalto-1 in 2017. Aalto-1 project was a student project, and as a result, two new companies have been set up; ICEYE and Reaktor Space Lab. During the seminar, ICEYE revealed a press release about the successful launch of the satellite and its results. Well done Finland!

The space sector in Finland is growing strong, and new projects are in process. One of the most exciting projects is LappiSat, the aim of which is to launch a small satellite into space in 2019. The satellite will predict appearance of the Northern Lights and describe them. This will certainly interest tourists who travel to Lapland to see the spectacular Northern Lights. LappiSat is just one of the projects that are in progress in Finland. Raising funds for all projects tends to be somewhat difficult. Large Finnish companies may not yet see the many commercial opportunities space technology might provide.

At present, the Finnish space sector employs about 300-400 persons, and the growth rate is strong. However, compared to for example Sweden and Norway, we are lagging behind. The Finnish state invests a modest EUR 20 million a year on space technology (primarily as a membership fee for the European Space Agency ESA), and the investments are larger in other countries. What if space sector were a “new Nokia” for Finland? The seminar proves that at least there is enthusiasm enough.

If we in Finland were as enthusiastic about space as digitalisation projects, Finland would probably already be already far in the space. Many companies have CDO (Chief Digital Officer) leading digitalization projects, but none of the Finnish companies have the Chief Space Officer (CSO) to lead the exploitation of space.

The seminar arrangements were great, thanks to the effective trio at Aalto University: Professor Jaan Praks, Samuli Nyman and Tessa Nikander.

More info: https://spaceworkshop.fi/2018.html

Picture from seminar: