Latvia has approved participation in several programs of the European Space Agency (ESA), which will bring practical benefits to science, the economy, security, and society as a whole.
Latvia has approved participation in several programs of the European Space Agency (ESA), which will bring practical benefits to science, the economy, security, and society as a whole.
LETA, citing the Ministry of Education and Science, reports that one of the key areas will be participation in a dual-use program in collaboration with the defense sector - to enhance Latvia's capabilities in the field of space security.
Projects Latvia Will Participate In
In the coming years, Latvia plans to participate in the following areas:
- development of technologies for the lunar station;
- Earth observation and high-precision geophysical exploration;
- technology development programs;
- participation in a space business incubator;
- dual-use projects in collaboration with the defense sector.
The goal is to more actively involve Latvian companies and scientists in international projects, as well as to develop and bring to market technologies created in Latvia.
How the European Space Agency System Works
ESA implements several dozen programs in various fields of the space industry. Each participating country decides for itself which programs to participate in and how much funding to invest in them.
According to the agency's industrial policy, up to 85% of the invested funds are returned to the country's economy through international scientific, educational, and innovative projects.
In the next three years, participating countries have submitted applications for participation in programs totaling €22.1 billion. The agency's Director General, Josef Aschbacher, called this a record amount of funding.
Economic Impact for Latvia
According to the Ministry of Education and Science, since 2020, Latvia's participation in the European Space Agency programs has brought €13.4 million to the economy; of which:
- €9.4 million - direct contribution from projects,
- €1.8 million - supply chain effect,
- €2.2 million - growth in household consumption.
Every €1 invested in ESA programs brings €1.4 in total economic effect.
How Much Latvian Companies Have Already Received
From 2021 to June 2025, Latvian organizations have received €12.1 million under ESA programs, through which 73 projects have been implemented. More than 80% of the funds are directed towards research and development of new technologies.
Additionally, by July 2025, Latvian companies have signed commercial contracts outside of ESA worth €15 million, which, according to the ministry's assessment, confirms the competitiveness of the industry at the international level.
Latvia has been an associated member of the European Space Agency since 2020. The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for the country's participation in the agency, coordinating space policy and international cooperation.
The ministry is also working to ensure active participation of Latvia in the next cooperation period with ESA - from 2027 to 2034.
