SSSIF 2024 draws record attendance as Europe's 'New Space' sector grows rapidly

SSSIF 2024 draws record attendance as Europe's 'New Space' sector grows rapidly
by Hugo Ritmico
Malaga, Spain (SPX) Mar 01, 2024

The 5th edition of the Small Satellites and Services International Forum (SSSIF), held in Malaga, has marked a significant milestone in the 'New Space' industry, drawing an unprecedented number of over 400 experts from across the globe. This event, which has rapidly become Europe's premier forum for the small satellite sector, witnessed its largest attendance to date, with participants hailing from more than 21 countries.

The forum served as a melting pot for ideas, innovations, and discussions on the future of space exploration and business, particularly focusing on lunar and cislunar missions. The event's agenda was packed with more than 50 high-level technical papers, presented by a diverse group of manufacturers, technicians, scientists, suppliers, investors, developers, and launchers. These presentations underscored the forum's role as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and networking within the global space community.

Notably, the SSSIF 2024 was graced by 72 panelists from leading governmental space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE). Their presence, along with representatives from major space corporations such as GMV, Indra, Tecnobit Grupo Oesia, Telespazio, and Airbus, added considerable weight to the discussions and outcomes of the forum.

Miguel Angel Vazquez and Vicente Diaz, co-founders and directors of DHV Technology, expressed their satisfaction with the success of this year's edition. They highlighted the forum's international impact and its essential role in bringing together key players from various countries involved in the small satellite sector. Their vision of creating a congress indispensable to the space community seems to have been realized, judging by the turnout and the quality of discussions.

This year's theme, "Lunar and Cislunar Missions and Business," allowed participants to delve into the evolving landscape of lunar exploration projects. Noteworthy presentations included an update from Ezequiel Sanchez, CEO of PLD Space, on the company's progress, including the environmentally friendly launch of Miura 5, following the successful launch of Miura 1 in October 2023.

Mars exploration also featured prominently, with insights from NASA's Andres Martinez and Carlos Garcia-Galan. Martinez outlined the challenges of reaching Mars and tempered expectations of a human landing in the near future, while Garcia-Galan presented a more optimistic timeline, suggesting Mars travel could be viable by 2039, with the moon serving as a crucial stepping stone.

The forum wasn't just about discussions; it also showcased technological advancements and expertise from 28 international companies and institutions in an integrated exhibition space. This allowed attendees to engage directly with the latest innovations and technical solutions in the space sector.

Looking forward, the organizers have already set the dates for the 6th edition of SSSIF, scheduled for February 18-20, 2025, in Andalusia. The next forum will focus on "Industrialisation and Sustainability in Space," reflecting the industry's growing emphasis on sustainable space exploration and development. Miguel Angel Vazquez's announcement of the next forum's theme underscores the event's commitment to addressing the critical challenges and opportunities facing the space sector.