Lithuania is strengthening its space technology sector by allocating an additional €5.5 million for participation in European space programmes
Lithuania is allocating an additional €5.5 million to participate in programmes run by the European Space Agency (ESA). These funds will be used to strengthen the integration of Lithuania's space sector into international markets, promote the development of high technology and science, and introduce innovations in the field of space technology. Between 2026 and 2028, the total investment in these programmes will reach €14.5 million — 62% more than during the 2022–2025 period.
'Lithuania is boldly taking significant steps into the global space technology arena. The products created in this sector have great potential to strengthen the defence and security industry. This year, we implemented several space technology projects that have put our country on the map, and we are ambitious enough to believe that by 2027, the country's space sector will account for 1% of GDP. We recognise the real added value that cooperation with the ESA brings to business, science and the country's entire economy, and we hope to reap the benefits of the additional €5.5 million in funding in the coming years," says Marius Stasiukaitis, Vice Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
This year, Lithuanian business and science communities have already taken a historic step in the field of space technology: as part of the company Uvireso’s initiative, the Research Council of Lithuania will fund the first industrial PhD program to be carried out by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) and UAB Uvireso. This PhD project will focus on developing innovative electric propulsion technology for space satellites.
Additionally, a laser developed by Integrated Optics has been launched into space for the first time and will perform the first quantum calculations in low Earth orbit.
Delta Biosciences has begun testing anti-radiation molecules to protect the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and NanoAvionics has signed a €122.5 million contract to manufacture 280 satellites.
Additionally, Astrolight has started developing an 'optical data highway', and BlackSwan Space has started developing a vision-based satellite navigation system that enables satellites to operate autonomously without constant human control.
These successful projects, which demonstrate the strengths of Lithuanian business and science cooperation, have strengthened Lithuania's expertise in space technology, science and photonics, raising our country's profile in Europe and around the world.
To accelerate the development of the space sector in Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has prepared a concept for its development. According to this concept, the goal is for our country to become a competitive provider of space services and to develop solutions and technologies based on advanced scientific research.
Space Hub LT, operating within the Innovation Agency, is responsible for developing the space ecosystem and implementing space policy, and contributes to the growth of Lithuanian space companies.
Additional funding for space programmes has been allocated in preparation for the ESA Ministerial Council, which will take place on 26–27 November this year in Bremen, Germany. This is the ESA's highest-level decision-making meeting, which takes place every three years. It will approve new ESA and member state space programmes and allocate the budget for the next three years.
Lithuania became an associate member of the ESA in 2021.