When SpaceX appeared in 2002, few experts could have predicted the impact it would have on the launchers market. Today, Elon Musk’s company has become one of the most prominent actors in this field of activities. Yet, SpaceX is just one example of the numerous private actors that invested in the space domain. By developing innovative technological and managerial methods, these economic players have challenged the whole space industry and put the domination of big groups (Boeing, Arianespace, etc.) into question. Regarding Europe, this trend has contributed to raise tensions among partners involved in the Ariane programme: the European autonomous access to space is now severely challenged. Moreover, the question of the future of space as a strategic asset controlled by historical space powers must be asked.
The New Space industry is currently on the track to compete, along with long-established groups, for the new challenges to come like projects of returning to the Moon or landing on Mars. Though space exploration seems to have lost something of its “magic” in the eyes of the public, it is extremely doubtful to claim that upcoming enterprises in the space sector will rely on old management methods and past innovations. In preparation for such objectives, the New Space entrepreneurship is working on innovative ways to develop the right technologies, which could regenerate an interest to space exploration.
To discuss these issues, we will be pleased to welcome Jean-Jacques Tortora, Director of the European Space Policy Institute based in Vienna, and Chris Welch from the International Space University of Strasbourg.
This conference will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2020 at 17.00 hours in the conference centre of the Campus Renaissance (entrance: rue Hobbema 8, 1000 Brussels). The lecture will be given in French and English with simultaneous translation into Dutch, French and English. We are looking forward to welcoming you and kindly ask you to confirm your participation by registering online on the RHID’s website: www.rhid.be.
Pre-registration is mandatory to access the premises and must reach us not later than Friday 20 March 2020.
16:30 : Registration
17:00 : Conference and Q & A
18:30 - 19:30 : Reception