Bremen, November 19-21, 2024: The Space Tech Expo Europe 2024 provided a platform spotlighting new technologies and products in the space industry. Held in Bremen, the event brought together experts from around the world to showcase their work and exchange ideas on topics such as small satellites, sustainability in space, and asteroid impact defense strategies. With over 700 exhibitors, the Space Tech Expo is recognized as Europe’s leading trade show for the aerospace industry. Visitors had the chance to embark on virtual space journeys and explore innovative research projects, including a potential Mars research station presented by the University of Bremen. [Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung, 2024]
The importance of space exploration for Earth was a recurring theme at the expo. Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economy, Ports, and Transformation of Bremen, highlighted how advancements in space technology impact everyday life – from managing energy supply to enabling financial transactions. Dietmar Pilz of ESA emphasized the critical role of space technologies in climate observation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence applications. Simultaneously, experts called for increased investment in European space initiatives to address challenges and stay competitive internationally, particularly against players like SpaceX in the United States. [Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung, 2024]
For the Gaia-X Lighthouse Project COOPERANTS, the Space Tech Expo marked a significant milestone, featuring its debut at the partner stand. The focus was on showcasing the COOPERANTS platform and its associated marketplace as key enablers for the digital transformation of the aerospace sector. Numerous industry professionals visited the booth to learn about the opportunities COOPERANTS offers to the field. The platform’s capabilities were demonstrated through innovative example services developed within the project: HOLOWORK by Radiusmedia, the Digital Project Management Office by Neusta Aerospace, and the Robotic Digital Twin by DFKI. These solutions provided tangible insights into how digital technologies can enhance collaboration and efficiency in the industry.
A highlight of the event was the COOPERANTS Service Competition Finals. The Companies Anzen Aerospace Engineering and Nitrexo presented their groundbreaking services, ATICA and Digital Engineer®, respectively. However, the third Inspirators! captivated the audience with FutuDraw, a service that revolutionizes creative and collaborative design processes. The competition underscored how the COOPERANTS platform acts as a catalyst for innovation. Find more information about our finalists and their services here.
We were also honored to welcome Sarah Ryglewski, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor, and Kristina Vogt, Minister of Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation of the State of Bremen, to our booth to present our initiative.
The Space Tech Expo 2024 not only served as a platform for technological advancements but also facilitated discussions on the challenges of space exploration and its significance for Earth. COOPERANTS seized this opportunity to present its vision and achievements to an international audience while forging new connections for future collaborations. The success of this appearance underscores the project’s vital contribution to the future of aerospace.