Space Tech Expo Europe is traditionally a highly anticipated event that brings together space professionals, enthusiasts, and investors to discover the latest advancements in the industry. For the fifth time in total, SETS participates in one of Europe’s biggest supply-chain and engineering events.
Space Tech Expo Europe 2024
This year, the annual Space Tech Expo Europe, one of the largest and most influential events in the space industry, took place in Bremen, Germany, from 19th to 21st November.
During these three dynamic days, we made the most of the opportunities at Space Tech Expo Europe 2024. This premier event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts from the global aerospace community to discuss cutting-edge technologies and advancements in the space sector. The exhibition halls were buzzing with activity, showcasing a wide array of products, services, and demonstrations, while the conference rooms hosted insightful discussions on various topics related to the future of space exploration and technology.
This time, SETS was represented by the company’s engineer, Serhii Vagin. Serhii shared his impressions of the event’s organisation, compared this year’s exhibition with the previous one and highlighted key insights.
SETS’ Insights From Space Tech Expo 2024
Serhii had a valuable chance at the exhibition to meet potential customers and partners. The expo was a great opportunity to learn valuable insights from fellow professionals in the space industry, and we also had the chance to share our own experiences during networking sessions.
“SETS is becoming increasingly recognized among industry players: conference attendees shared that they are following SETS’ progress and congratulated us on achieving flight heritage following the EOS SAT-1 successful launch, which is undoubtedly a significant milestone for any space propulsion company,” Serhii shared.
Credit: SETS LinkedIn
The Exhibitors: from startups to industry giants
The 2024 expo edition was bigger than ever, with five expansive halls packed with over 700 exhibitors. From groundbreaking startups to established companies, participants like a.i. Solutions, Aerospacelab, Astroscale, Dragonfly Aerospace, ETL Systems, Оpen Cosmos Ltd., and Space Tech Accelerator Inc. showcased their groundbreaking technologies in space exploration.
“This year, many representatives of companies that manufacture thrusters and their subsystems were at the Space Tech Expo, and we had a fruitful conversation with them,” says Serhii.
Electric Propulsion Community
“The electric propulsion community remains relatively small and tightly-knit, where everyone seems to know and follow each other’s progress. During the event, I had the opportunity to meet representatives from companies such as Ohm Space, Uzay Tubitak, and Aliena, who recognized me as part of SETS. They greeted me warmly, congratulated us on achieving flying heritage for our propulsion systems, and wished us continued success in the future. These interactions highlight the collaborative and supportive nature of the electric propulsion industry, where achievements are celebrated across organizations and competitors encourage one another,” Serhii Vagin says.
Europe’s Focus on Strategic Autonomy
One of the key themes discussed informally throughout the event was the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ongoing efforts to support local manufacturing and innovation. ESA is focusing on building a resilient supply chain by relying more on European companies and technologies, thereby reducing dependence on external suppliers, particularly from Asian and Chinese markets.
This strategy aims to bolster the European aerospace sector, ensuring that critical technologies and expertise remain within the region. By fostering collaboration among local companies and encouraging the development of homegrown solutions, ESA is taking significant steps toward achieving strategic autonomy in the space industry.
Interest in Small Satellite Propulsion
A large number of companies are currently planning the production of small satellites for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellations. This trend has created significant interest in compact propulsion systems, such as our SPS-25. Many companies expressed a desire for cost-effective, lightweight, and efficient systems that can meet the needs of these missions.
Several companies showed direct interest in our propulsion systems. While their primary focus was on small propulsion units like the SPS-25, they also inquired about larger systems designed for deep-space missions. These companies were particularly interested in systems with a total impulse exceeding 1 MN·s with an overall electric propulsion power of about 1 kW (represented in SETS’s product line as the SPS100 Propulsion System) and with radiation-hardened PPUs and feed systems, which are crucial for extended missions beyond Earth’s orbit. This dual interest in both small-scale and high-power propulsion systems highlights the versatility and adaptability required in modern propulsion technologies.
Expert conferences
The event also featured expert-led panels and presentations, offering attendees the chance to expand their technical knowledge and stay informed about emerging industry trends. As expected, networking and building successful connections were its key highlights.
“The conference program featured numerous engaging sessions, covering topics such as satellite technology, propulsion systems, space sustainability, and more. “I attended the presentation on space debris mitigation, conducted by Astroscale and EISMEA, which addressed one of the most pressing challenges in modern space exploration. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to managing and reducing the growing problem of orbital debris, including active debris removal technologies, improved satellite design for deorbiting, and international policies for responsible space operations. It was an enlightening session, providing a comprehensive overview of the strategies being developed to ensure sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment.”
Final thoughts
The Space Tech Expo Europe 2024 provided a fantastic platform to explore the latest trends and innovations in the space industry. The conference sessions and live demonstrations offered invaluable insights into the current challenges and advancements shaping the future of space exploration. ESA’s focus on strengthening European capabilities further underlines the importance of events like this in fostering collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, the strong sense of community within the electric propulsion sector, combined with the growing demand for versatile propulsion solutions, made this event both inspiring and highly productive.
“I truly hope that SETS will participate in future events like this as an exhibitor with its own booth. It would be an excellent opportunity to bring a small vacuum chamber and showcase a working propulsion system in real-time, which would undoubtedly attract significant attention and highlight our technological advancements,” sums up Serhii.
As we reflect on the valuable insights and connections gained at Space Tech Expo Europe 2024, a big thank you to the organisers for creating such an impactful event!
