Representatives of the Baltic states met in Tallinn to discuss possible cooperation in the field of space both among themselves and with the European Space Agency (ESA), writes ERR News.
All three countries already fully cooperate with ESA and participate in its programs, however, they indicate that in the field, which is currently developing so rapidly, joint projects will benefit everyone. Paul Liias, representative of the Space Department of the Estonian Ministry of Economy and Communications, said that Estonia has proven itself as a reliable partner in the space sector, and cooperation with neighboring countries will increase the importance of the field in the region.
Liias said: «Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania cooperate with the ESA and contribute to selection programs there, but so far the mutual exchange of information and experience has remained modest.
At the same time, from the perspective of the space sector at least, we are similar countries with similar challenges, and all parties would benefit from the implementation of joint projects.»
He pointed out that the possible directions of cooperation could be the use of satellite data for environmental monitoring, crisis management and security issues. Madis Võõras, head of the Estonian space office, which falls under the Enterprise Estonia/KredEx joint remit, said that closer cooperation is necessary and will be useful, as a wider scale economy could promote growth in the field, which is currently developing rapidly.
He said: «Estonia can share experiences both from the point of view of the digital state and cyber security, and can also offer cooperation with our high-level technology sector. Latvia meanwhile has potential in the field of space communication and quantum communication, Lithuania, for example, has strength in the field of manufacturing lasers and small satellites.»
ESA membership offers private sector companies of all three Baltic States unprecedented opportunities in joint projects. In addition, the cooperation of all the Baltic States will create synergy and promote the flow of ideas between the private sector and academics and researchers. One such example is satellites developed by Estonian students, and representatives of Latvian universities are also involved in these projects.
During the meeting, the Baltic Space Manifesto was prepared, which lays the foundation for strengthening cooperation and exchange of experience between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.