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π Space π Industry

Space technologies: the keys to European competitiveness

3 episodes

1

Space industry: Europe regains its independence
2

Space powers: how critical technologies are emerging from public-private partnerships
3

Ultra-lightweight, high-performance, foldable: advances in space photovoltaics

Épisode 1/3

Space industry: Europe regains its independence

On May 28th, 2025

7 min reading time

Lionel Suchet

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CNES

Faced with increased international competition, Europe is seeking to (re)gain its autonomy and competitiveness in the space sector.
Its priority is to strengthen its autonomy in the military field, maintain its excellent level of research and develop its commercial competitiveness.
France is Europe’s leading space nation and its start-up ecosystem, supported by the CNES, is proving to be extremely dynamic.
The European Space Act would promote the development of a coherent space policy in Europe and prevent non-European players from engaging in unreasonable commercial activities on the continent.
Funding and management of major space programmes by the European Commission would enable Europe to aim for greater competitiveness.

Épisode 2/3

On November 19th, 2025

6 min reading time

Fiona Wood

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Strategy Analyst

Mostafa Hassanalian

Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Tech

In 1967, the Outer Space Treaty signed by the major powers affirmed that space is a common heritage of mankind, and then, in 1979, the Moon Agreement stipulated that there would be no ownership of resources.
However, the example of NASA's Artemis programme shows that this framework is being reinterpreted and expanded as commercial space activities develop.
The growth of the space economy relies on competition in critical and emerging technologies (CET), such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, cloud services, drones, etc.
Above all, technological leadership depends on investment in human capital.
Three major challenges shape the space sector: rethinking training, attracting capital to a high-risk sector, and enabling access to infrastructure through cross-sector partnerships.

Épisode 3/3

On October 14th, 2025

4 min reading time

Daniel Lincot

Emeritus CNRS Research Director at IPVF

Loris Ibarrart

Specialist in onboard energy at CNES

The photovoltaic effect, which harnesses the sun’s rays to generate electricity, is increasingly gaining interest from the space industry.
Initially, photovoltaic technology was only commercially viable for the space industry, even though the idea of using panels on Earth was already being explored.
Most satellites orbiting the Earth are now equipped with solar panels, which is the most cost-effective source of energy in space.
Among the innovations from the space industry that could be used on Earth, photovoltaic technology is one of the most promising.
Today, the cost of cells for space applications is around €300 per watt, compared to 10–20 cents for terrestrial applications.