Ireland has really stepped up in the global space industry, thanks to smart partnerships, tech breakthroughs, and some bold missions. In 2023, the country hit a big milestone with its first satellite launch and landed nearly €10 million in contracts with the European Space Agency.
Back in 1975, Ireland became a founding member of the European Space Agency. That early move set the stage for everything that followed in Irish space activities.
Instead of trying to outdo established aerospace giants, Ireland zeroes in on specialized tech. Enterprise Ireland connects innovative Irish companies directly with ESA’s supply chain.
Key Growth Statistics:
The NewSpace sector really changed the game for Ireland. Private companies started tackling tough technical problems, backed by government support.
Irish firms focus on niche tech where they can shine. They sidestep direct competition with big aerospace companies that have decades of experience.
Ireland launched its first satellite, EIRSAT-1, in December 2023. Students from University College Dublin designed, built, and tested it through ESA’s Fly Your Satellite program.
EIRSAT-1 has already completed over 40,000 orbits and traveled more than 200 million kilometers. In August 2025, it detected two gamma-ray bursts.
The satellite carries three main payloads:
Ubotica Technologies made waves in March 2025 with CogniSAT-6. This satellite uses artificial intelligence to process data in real-time and send insights to Earth in just minutes.
Its high-res camera can analyze the chemical makeup of objects. People are using it for things like crop health monitoring, spotting illegal fishing, and even power grid surveillance.
Irish tech features in several major space missions. Réaltra developed cameras that captured those unforgettable shots of the James Webb Space Telescope unfolding in space.
ESA now requires Réaltra cameras on all future launchers. So, Irish tech will document every Ariane 6 mission from here on out.
Innolabs supplied gyroscopes for the Hera 6 mission, which launched in October 2025. That mission follows NASA’s DART test, the one that nudged an asteroid off course.
Notable Irish Contributions:
ESA technical experts work hand-in-hand with Irish companies to boost their technology readiness. They share deep knowledge in aerospace engineering, avionics, and radiation protection.
Irish companies have to meet sky-high standards for space. Their tech needs to survive wild vibrations, radiation, and temperature swings—all without missing a beat.
Dr. Norah Patten from County Mayo is set to make history as Ireland’s first astronaut in 2026. Her mission blends scientific research and educational outreach, which is a massive step for Ireland’s space scene.
Dr. Patten carved out her space career as an aeronautical engineer, even though there wasn’t exactly a set path for her to follow. She works at Réaltra Space Systems Engineering in Dublin while juggling astronaut training.
She landed her spot on Virgin Galactic’s research mission thanks to her work with international space groups. The mission will use Virgin Galactic’s Delta vehicle for a suborbital flight.
Training and Preparation:
Patten started The Norah Patten Foundation to fund her spaceflight and research. Three unpaid directors run the foundation, putting every cent toward the mission and educational work.
The foundation’s goal is to make Ireland’s first spaceflight count. They’re planning loads of public engagement and hope to leave a mark with educational resources for future generations.
Patten’s mission centers on scientific research during her suborbital flight. Back in 2014, she sent Ireland’s first student experiment to the International Space Station with Nanoracks and IComp.
She’s worked on all sorts of space science projects around Ireland. Her collaborations with international agencies keep pushing Ireland’s role in space exploration forward.
Mission Elements:
The 2026 mission marks Ireland’s entry into human spaceflight. Patten’s work connects Ireland’s new space industry to established international programs.
Commercial partners support her research goals. Her mission proves that smaller nations can make a real impact in space through focused science.
Dr. Patten puts a lot of energy into STEM education and inspiring young people across Ireland. She works directly with students, encouraging them to consider science and tech careers.
Her outreach connects with major Irish education programs. She’s teamed up with BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, ESB Science Blast, and Microsoft DreamSpace.
Educational Initiatives:
In 2019, she led the PoSSUM13 program to get more girls interested in space science. This effort helps close gender gaps in STEM through hands-on activities.
Her upcoming spaceflight is a huge opportunity for Irish educational outreach. Students all over Ireland will follow her journey, and who knows—maybe some will become the next wave of Irish space professionals.
The foundation is planning lots of school visits and new educational content. Her flight will show Irish students that space careers are within reach, no matter where they come from.
Ireland’s space sector has grown at an impressive pace, with over 109 companies now working with the European Space Agency. Irish firms are rolling out groundbreaking tech and building strong international partnerships.
Ireland’s space industry has exploded over the last decade. The country aimed for 100 space-active companies by 2025 but already hit 109.
That’s more than a 300% jump in company involvement since the early 2010s. Enterprise Ireland has played a big part by linking innovative Irish technology firms to ESA’s supply chain.
In 2023 alone, ESA handed out contracts worth almost €10 million to Irish companies. Most of that went to industrial activities, plus another €2.2 million in co-funding.
Key Growth Indicators:
The Irish Space Association launched in 2023 to keep this momentum going. It brings together companies, researchers, and policymakers to encourage collaboration and shape a national space strategy.
Irish companies have built some seriously advanced tech for major space missions. Réaltra’s cameras captured those iconic images of the James Webb Space Telescope unfolding after launch on Ariane 5.
ESA now insists on Réaltra cameras for all its launchers. So, Irish tech will keep snapping images for the new Ariane 6 missions.
Innolabs developed gyroscopes for the Hera mission that launched in October 2024. That project checks how much NASA’s DART test actually moved an asteroid.
Notable Irish Space Technologies:
EIRSAT-1 has finished over 40,000 Earth orbits and detected two gamma-ray bursts. The satellite shows how Irish universities and industry can work together on space projects.
Ireland joined the European Space Agency as a founding member in 1975, laying the groundwork for a partnership that’s lasted nearly 50 years. This connection gives Irish companies access to ESA’s technical expertise in aerospace engineering, avionics, and radiation testing.
ESA specialists work side-by-side with Irish firms to get their products space-ready. Their support helps companies meet the extreme demands of space—stuff like vibration, radiation, and wild temperature swings.
Enterprise Ireland acts as Ireland’s national delegate to ESA, treating space like a market vertical, much like automotive or pharma. The agency aims to create jobs and boost exports through strategic partnerships.
This collaboration isn’t just about contracts—it’s about knowledge transfer, too. ESA uses Ireland’s EIRSAT-1 program as a model for industry-academia partnerships across Europe.
Partnership Benefits:
Ireland offers some great academic programs and international partnerships for anyone dreaming of an astronaut career. Students can earn degrees in space science, get into NASA training programs, and pick up hands-on experience through research internships.
University College Dublin (UCD) leads the charge with its Master of Science in Space Science and Technology. The program connects students directly to Ireland’s space industry and gives them hands-on experience with satellite development.
Students learn from the very team that built EIRSAT-1. The curriculum covers spacecraft hazards, Earth observation, telecommunications, and satellite navigation.
Program highlights:
UCD’s Center for Space Research acts as Ireland’s main hub for interdisciplinary space research. The program links students with 94 Irish companies working with ESA.
Ireland’s space tech sector has grown over 50% in just five years. The government wants to keep expanding the space enterprise sector, opening up more opportunities for new grads.
The International Space University’s Space Studies Program gives Irish students nine weeks of astronaut prep. Enterprise Ireland offers scholarships for Irish postgrad science and engineering students to attend this NASA-based program.
The program moves to a new location each summer, giving students a taste of international space agency life and collaboration.
ESA opened astronaut applications to Irish citizens for the first time in 11 years. Applicants need strong technical skills, physical fitness, and the right education—stuff they can pick up through these specialized programs.
Irish scientists and engineers contribute to big missions like INTEGRAL, Planck, Rosetta, Solar Orbiter, and the James Webb Space Telescope. These projects give students a direct route to international space programs.
UCD’s space science program actually requires students to do summer internships with space industry companies. Réaltra Space Systems Engineering often brings students on board, letting them get hands-on experience with satellite systems and space mission planning.
The internship program gives students access to Ireland’s growing space sector. They work on real space projects and start building professional networks early in their careers.
Inspire Space, a non-profit, opens up even more opportunities through outreach events and competitions. Their events range from astronaut training workshops to space-themed activities all over Ireland.
Students find unique internships that help build their career profiles and sharpen skills specific to space exploration. These roles sometimes turn into full-time jobs with Irish space companies or even international space agencies.
The Dream Space Ambassador Program, backed by teams in Dublin and Belfast, offers leadership training for students across Ireland. It’s a chance to develop communication and technical skills—exactly what astronaut hopefuls need.
Ireland’s space sector runs on a network of research institutions, observatories, and international partnerships. These connections plug Ireland into global space exploration efforts.
The country’s involvement stretches from ground-based astronomy to direct participation in major missions with NASA and the European Space Agency.
The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies runs Dunsink Observatory, Ireland’s top astronomical research facility just outside Dublin. Founded way back in 1785, this historic observatory stands as the country’s main hub for space science research and education.
Dunsink Observatory features advanced telescopes and instruments for deep space observation and research. The team there regularly hosts public outreach programs to bring Irish citizens closer to space science and astronomy.
Research groups at Dunsink focus on stellar evolution, planetary science, and cosmic phenomena. The observatory works with international space agencies on research projects that boost global understanding of space environments.
The institute also trains Ireland’s next generation of space scientists through its graduate programs. Many of its graduates end up working with major space organizations worldwide, which really puts Ireland on the map in space science.
Ireland joined the European Space Agency in 1975, which kicked off its formal role in space exploration. In 2023 alone, 109 Irish companies secured ESA support, showing how quickly the country’s space industry is growing.
Enterprise Ireland coordinates the nation’s industrial and research participation in ESA programs. This setup helps Irish companies go after valuable contracts and research opportunities in space.
Irish teams show up in high-profile missions like ESA’s Solar Orbiter, launched in 2020. The country also took part in NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope project, which really highlights Irish technical skills on the world stage.
EIRSAT-1 launched on December 1, 2023, becoming Ireland’s first satellite. This CubeSat marks a huge step—officially making Ireland a space-faring nation and paving the way for future missions.
The International Institute for Astronautical Sciences teams up with Irish research institutions to push space science education and research forward. Their partnership gives Irish students and researchers access to international space science networks.
Irish universities join institute programs that focus on astronautical engineering and space science research. These collaborations help build technical expertise in Ireland’s academic community.
The institute backs research projects that match Ireland’s space sector goals. This includes work on satellite technology, space materials science, and mission planning.
With these partnerships, Irish researchers learn advanced space science methods and tap into international collaboration opportunities. These relationships also help attract global space industry investment to Ireland.
Ireland has played a role in several big space missions, mostly through ESA partnerships and its own satellite programs. The country launched its first satellite, EIRSAT-1, in 2022 and contributes to major Earth observation programs across Europe.
Irish researchers have worked with Virgin Galactic’s suborbital research missions by developing payloads and collaborating on experiments. University College Dublin worked with Virgin Galactic on microgravity experiments during test flights.
The partnership zeroes in on gamma-ray detection in space. Irish-built sensors flew aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity during several research flights from 2021 to 2023.
These missions let Irish teams test their space technology in real flight conditions. The data they gathered helped improve the design of Ireland’s satellite sensors.
Virgin Galactic’s suborbital flights climb above 80 kilometers. This gives Irish scientists a chance to test equipment before committing to full satellite launches.
The collaboration has strengthened Ireland’s role in commercial space research. Irish companies picked up valuable experience by working with private space operators.
EIRSAT-1 stands out as Ireland’s biggest space mission so far. The CubeSat launched in December 2022 from California on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Students and faculty at University College Dublin built the satellite over four years. It’s a tiny cube—just 10 centimeters on each side.
The satellite carries three main experiments:
Irish companies have supplied key components for European Space Agency missions. Radisys Corporation developed communication systems for several ESA satellites.
The country also supports ESA’s science missions like Solar Orbiter. Irish-made electronics help study the sun’s magnetic field and solar wind.
Dublin-based firms build precision components for satellite navigation systems. These parts keep Europe’s Galileo constellation running smoothly.
Ireland takes an active role in ESA’s Copernicus program for Earth monitoring. Irish researchers study satellite data to track climate change impacts across Europe.
The Marine Institute uses satellite imagery to keep an eye on Ireland’s coastal waters. This data helps manage the fishing industry and protect marine life.
Trinity College Dublin runs ground stations that receive Earth observation data. The stations talk to multiple European satellites every day.
Irish companies create software for processing satellite imagery. These tools help farmers check crop health and improve their agricultural practices.
Ireland contributes to Sentinel satellite missions through data analysis and ground operations. Irish scientists track land use changes and urban growth patterns.
Cork researchers study greenhouse gas emissions using satellite data. Their work supports Ireland’s climate change reporting to the European Union.
Weather monitoring is another big focus. Met Éireann relies on European weather satellites for accurate forecasts all over Ireland.
Every October, Ireland hosts Space Week, drawing thousands to astronomy clubs, educational workshops, and public lectures. The country actually ranks second globally per capita for space-related events, and the media coverage is massive—it really shapes public interest in commercial spaceflight here.
Space Week Ireland runs from October 4-10 every year. Space enthusiasts, students, and families all over Ireland come together for lectures, demos, and hands-on activities.
Ireland sits second in the world per capita for Space Week events. That’s higher than most countries when it comes to public space engagement. The week is packed with events at schools, museums, astronomy clubs, and community centers.
Event organizers include:
Space Week draws people of all ages. There are free public lectures and interactive science booths. Many events highlight career opportunities in space science and technology.
Ireland boasts the world’s largest national astronomy club relative to its population. Astronomy Ireland keeps the excitement alive through talks, lectures, and observing sessions. The club anchors many Space Week activities.
Educational institutions across Ireland run workshops during Space Week and year-round. These events target students from primary school up through university.
Schools join outreach programs to spark interest in space science careers. Students get to meet professionals working in aerospace. Many workshops feature hands-on activities with model rockets and space tech demos.
Universities stay active in space research. Irish scientists and engineers work on missions with the European Space Agency, giving students real-world experience if they’re eyeing a space career.
Workshop formats include:
Community groups and businesses organize their own events during Space Week. Organizers can register anything from small club meetings to big public gatherings. All registered events go into a prize draw for space-themed awards.
Irish media covers space events and developments extensively. This attention keeps public interest in space science and commercial spaceflight high.
National coordinators say Irish culture has a real fascination with space exploration. This cultural interest shows up in strong event attendance and active astronomy clubs.
Media stories highlight both local happenings and international space news. They often spotlight Irish contributions to missions and career opportunities for students.
Coverage includes:
This blend of cultural curiosity and media attention creates a supportive environment for space education. It’s a solid foundation for preparing Irish students for careers in the growing commercial space industry.
Public perception in Ireland generally stays positive toward space exploration and commercial spaceflight. Media outlets often point out the practical benefits of space research and how accessible space careers are for Irish students.
Irish scientists and engineers make important contributions in space medicine, advanced engineering, and Earth monitoring technologies. Their work supports human space travel safety and environmental protection through new satellite programs.
Irish research institutions study how the human body adapts to space conditions. This research is crucial for future commercial space travel.
University College Dublin’s Space Research Centre looks at bone density loss in astronauts. Their findings help design exercise routines that space tourists can use during long flights. Apparently, targeted workouts can cut muscle weakness by up to 40% on orbital missions.
Cork-based medical tech companies build monitoring equipment for space travelers. These devices track heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels in real time. Mission control teams use this data to make quick decisions about crew health.
Irish pharmaceutical researchers test how medications behave in zero gravity. Some drugs absorb faster in space, while others lose their punch. This info helps doctors put together better medical kits for civilian space flights.
The country’s biotech sector also studies plant growth in space environments. These experiments could eventually support missions to Mars or the Moon.
Irish companies deliver critical components that make space travel safer and more reliable. Their innovations show up in major spacecraft used by NASA and private companies.
Dublin’s Ubotica Technologies built the first artificial intelligence system for satellite operations. Their chips process images right in space, without sending all the data back to Earth. This tech cuts communication delays and boosts mission efficiency.
EnBio creates special metal coatings to protect spacecraft from extreme temperatures. Their heat shields keep the Solar Orbiter probe safe near the Sun. Similar systems will protect commercial space planes during reentry.
Realtrá Space makes cameras that monitor rocket launches and spacecraft deployment. Their gear caught the James Webb Space Telescope’s launch on film. Now, these cameras help make commercial space flights safer for passengers.
Cork’s Líos company designs acoustic protection for rocket fairings. Their sound-dampening tech stops vibrations from damaging sensitive gear. This work directly benefits space tourists by making rides smoother and safer.
Irish companies rely on satellite data to track climate change and protect natural resources. Space-based monitoring plays a big role in global environmental protection efforts.
Treemetrics measures forest health across continents using Earth observation satellites. Their software analyzes tree growth and spots areas at risk of deforestation.
The company secured €6.4 million in government funding to expand these services.
Irish meteorologists process weather data from European Space Agency satellites. They track storm patterns and temperature changes.
Meteorologists use this information to predict climate trends and extreme weather events.
Agricultural technology firms turn to satellite imagery to help farmers boost crop yields. They monitor soil moisture and plant health from space.
These applications show how space technology improves daily life on Earth.
The Irish Marine Institute tracks ocean currents and marine ecosystems with satellite data. Their research protects fishing grounds and monitors water pollution.
This work supports sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
Irish citizens have more ways than ever to reach space—European partnerships, commercial flights, and specialized research programs all open doors. Women especially benefit from programs aimed at boosting their presence in space exploration.
The European Space Agency gives Irish students and researchers direct access to space programs. Ireland’s been a member since 1975, and Enterprise Ireland coordinates both industrial and research participation.
Irish universities partner with international space organizations for hands-on experience. The International Institute for Astronautical Sciences accepts Irish researchers for space missions.
Students can earn certificates in sub-orbital spaceflight through the International Space University in France.
Research fellowships focus on fluid dynamics and biomedical studies in microgravity. These programs prepare people for actual space missions, not just theory.
The Irish ESA Space Solutions Center helps space startups and new ideas get off the ground. Entrepreneurs find pathways to develop space-related businesses and gain industry experience.
Virgin Galactic lets Irish citizens join commercial space missions. Dr. Norah Patten will become Ireland’s first space traveler through Virgin Galactic’s Delta spacecraft program, starting in 2026.
Commercial companies now offer two-hour suborbital missions packed with scientific experiments. These flights deliver genuine space experiences, not just quick weightlessness.
Blue Origin and SpaceX also take international passengers, including Irish citizens. Booking means you’ll need to meet medical requirements and finish astronaut training.
Project Possum prepares Irish citizens for commercial space travel with specialized training. Participants complete several preparation courses before flying.
Cost is still high, but it’s dropping as more commercial companies compete for passengers.
Ireland actively promotes women’s participation in space exploration through targeted initiatives. The European Space Agency’s latest astronaut recruitment encouraged female applicants from Ireland.
Dr. Norah Patten’s upcoming mission creates new possibilities for Irish women in space. Her aeronautical engineering background shows the educational pathways available through Irish universities.
SGAC-Ireland offers networking opportunities designed for women interested in space. This group connects Irish women with international space industry professionals.
The University of Limerick runs aeronautical engineering programs that prep women for space careers. PhD opportunities in aerodynamics and related fields are available here.
Mentorship programs connect female space professionals with experienced astronauts and industry leaders worldwide.
Ireland’s space infrastructure focuses on repurposing existing facilities and building specialized ground systems. The country uses Shannon Airport as a potential space travel hub and develops observatories and tracking stations for European missions.
Shannon Airport acts as Ireland’s main connection point for space travel and cargo operations. Its spot on Ireland’s west coast gives direct Atlantic access without flying over busy European areas.
Current Capabilities:
The airport manages logistics for Ireland’s ESA partnerships and satellite shipments. Irish companies use Shannon to move space tech to launch sites in French Guiana and Norway.
Future Development Plans: Shannon’s management is looking at expanding aerospace services as commercial space travel grows. The airport could serve passengers heading to US spaceports or European space tourism centers.
Its current infrastructure doesn’t need much change to support space tourism. Direct flights to Florida and Texas could link Irish travelers to major US launch sites.
Ireland runs several ground-based facilities to support space missions and satellite tracking. These installations collect data and provide communication services for European space programs.
Key Facilities:
The Irish Aviation Authority maintains radar systems to monitor spacecraft re-entry over the North Atlantic. These systems coordinate with ESA mission control during satellite deployments and crew returns.
Ground stations across Ireland receive telemetry data from EIRSAT-1 and other European satellites. Universities in Dublin, Cork, and Galway run smaller tracking dishes for student projects.
Communication Networks: Irish facilities provide backup communication links for International Space Station operations. The country’s fiber optic networks connect to European control centers in Germany and France.
These installations help Ireland track space weather and monitor asteroid approaches that could affect Earth.
Space exploration has shaped Ireland’s national identity and educational priorities in unexpected ways. The country’s connection to space achievements—thanks to Irish-American astronauts and participation in European Space Agency missions—has sparked real public interest and a wave of educational initiatives.
Ireland genuinely takes pride in its space connections, especially through Irish-American astronauts and scientists. Folks celebrate figures like Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a Space Shuttle, who traces her roots to County Cork.
Space Week Ireland is now an annual celebration drawing thousands across the country. The event brings astronaut visits, workshops, and community gatherings that highlight Ireland’s role in space science.
ESA membership has given Ireland direct involvement in big space missions. Irish engineers and scientists work on satellite technology and exploration projects that capture the public’s imagination.
Universities across Ireland have grown their astronomy and space science programs. Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork lead research that links Ireland to international space efforts.
Irish students have shown more interest in STEM subjects thanks to space exploration’s visibility. Schools report higher enrollment in physics and engineering after major space missions and astronaut visits.
The Irish Hospice Foundation even asked astronaut Chris Hadfield to write about seeing Ireland from space. His description of Ireland as “an amazing jewel” from orbit really stuck with students.
Educational programs now weave space themes into science classes. Teachers use Ireland’s ESA participation and space achievements to make science more engaging and relevant.
Young Irish people are starting to see aerospace engineering and space science as real career options. The visibility of Irish contributions to space missions proves that citizens from smaller countries can join humanity’s biggest adventures.
Irish citizens have more opportunities to get involved in space activities through ESA partnerships. Enterprise Ireland actively backs companies developing space technologies. The national space strategy centers on innovation and educational programs that prep students for space sector careers.
Irish citizens can apply for jobs at ESA centers across Europe. Ireland joined ESA as a founding member in 1975, so Irish nationals get full access to these opportunities.
ESA regularly hires engineers, scientists, project managers, and technical specialists. Irish professionals can work in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The agency also offers graduate trainee programs for recent university grads. These 12-month positions give hands-on experience in space missions and technology.
Ireland contributes both money and technical know-how. In 2023, ESA placed contracts worth nearly €10 million with Irish companies for space projects.
Irish technology plays a big part in major missions. Réaltra developed cameras for Ariane 5 launchers, including the one that launched the James Webb Space Telescope.
Innolabs created gyroscopes for the Hera 6 mission to measure asteroid deflection. ESA calls this tech critical for European space autonomy.
Right now, 109 Irish companies work with ESA, already beating the 2025 goal of 100. These companies provide everything from specialized cameras to satellite parts.
ESERO Ireland trains teachers to bring space science into classrooms. Teachers learn to use space missions and discoveries as fun tools for STEM education.
The program offers curriculum resources for primary and secondary schools. Students can try hands-on activities tied to real ESA missions and space exploration.
University students join programs like Fly Your Satellite, where they design and build real satellites. University College Dublin students created EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s first satellite, this way.
ESERO also runs competitions and workshops that connect students with space professionals and ESA experts.
Enterprise Ireland links Irish tech companies with ESA’s supply chain. The organization treats space like any other market vertical—think automotive or pharma.
They focus on matching Irish technical strengths with space industry needs. In 2023, Enterprise Ireland helped 25 companies develop high-tech space products.
The group provides co-funding, reaching €2.2 million in industrial support during 2023. This money helps companies adapt their tech for space.
Enterprise Ireland also sets up partnerships between Irish companies and ESA experts. These collaborations boost technology readiness and make products space-ready.
Ireland launched its first satellite, EIRSAT-1, in December 2023. The satellite has already completed over 40,000 Earth orbits and detected two gamma-ray bursts.
The government signed an Exchange of Letters with ESA about EIRSAT-1, setting up Ireland’s domestic space jurisdiction. This deal lays the groundwork for future Irish space missions.
Irish company Ubotica Technologies launched CogniSAT-6 in March 2024. This satellite uses AI to deliver real-time Earth observation data within minutes.
Ireland keeps investing in ESA programs like PRODEX, Earth Observation, Navigation, and Space Transportation. These investments support both research and commercial space activities.
Irish startups can tap into ESA Business Incubation Centers scattered around Europe. These centers offer funding, hands-on technical help, and mentoring for anyone working on space-related projects.
If you’re developing space tech, you can throw your hat in the ring for ESA contracts through competitive bids. Enterprise Ireland actually steps in to help companies get ready for these chances.
The NewSpace sector? It’s got some real opportunities, especially for private companies trying to tackle tough problems. ESA keeps an eye out for fresh, innovative solutions from smaller players and startups.
Irish companies might also want to check out ESA’s technology transfer programs. These programs make it easier to adapt space tech for use on Earth—and sometimes the other way around.
