2023 Connecting Space Regions presents: 

Availability of rare, critical materials in Aeronautics and Space  

July 04th, 2023 (digital, 14:00 to 15:30 CET)

Among other sectors, aeronautics and space depend strongly on the availability of rare, critical materials. Stocks are running out and many of these materials come from politically unstable regions. It is getting more and more important to be resilient for Europe. Access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical rare materials and components is essential for the aeronautics and space industry. One of the solutions can be reuse of these materials.

Europe aims to mitigate the risks, which arise from one-sided structural dependence in materials and technologies for industry, in order to improve its economic resilience. Innovative solutions by industry are key on the path to European resilience.

  • How can the industry cope with these challenges and what can be done in advance?
  • Which materials and technologies are of critical importance for the industry?
  • What support is needed from European institutions?

Let’s address strategies for future sovereignty and what we have learned so far to overcome existing challenges.

We cordially invite you to the next digital Connecting Space Regions Session.

Topic: Availability of rare, critical materials in Aeronautics and Space

Keynotes/ Presentations:

1. Title: Welcoming and Introducing European Resilience 

Speaker: AVIASPACE BREMEN Board Member, Nadja Wolf

      What does sovereignty and independence mean for Europe?

      Which dependencies do we have in Europe?

      The lecture of Mrs. Wolf is looking at different angles to circumvent dependencies that we currently have and is showcasing some examples for technologies and components on the way to more European resilience.

      2. Title: The role of ESA’s technology programmes in achieving future European Sovereignty 

          Speaker: ESA/ESTEC , Dr. Joerg Wehner 

          Head of Infrastructure and Institutional Coordination Office

          The presentation will deliver an outline of ESA’s Technology Strategy and how it is today translated into a programmatic setup which is supporting the strive for European Sovereignty.

          3. Title: European independence in the field of Sunsensors

            Speaker: Lens R&D BV, Johan Leijtens CEO

            Active components are core to European independence and although designing your own silicon is rather expensive, the availability of a proprietary design can ensure independence for a long time.

            The presentation will focus on past and current sensor developments at Lens R&D for which ESA has provided indispensable support to reach European independence in the field of high reliability Sunsensors.

            The event will be moderated by Nadja Wolf (AVIASPACE Bremen, Board Member).



            Company pitches from different domains will provide you with an overview of the companies’ activities and new developments in the sector. If you offer technical solutions to overcome dependencies and want to show case them, get in touch with us for a pitch. Showcased examples could include new materials, disruptive technologies or sustainable approaches like recycling or new production methods.

            There are still spots available for company pitches!

            Register on this website for the event and pre-schedule business meetings with representatives from space institutions and companies located in Zuid Holland, Bremen, France and other regions across Europe.

            By registering, you can set up your profile and send out your meeting requests right now. Use the Connecting Space Regions platform to expand your global network and individual B2B contacts!

            If you are already registered on the platform, you have to add the session to your profile!



            Why participate?

            · As product/process/service developer - find partners to discuss new technology and innovative solutions and find new customers and partners

            · As investor - find qualified European and International technology developers during effective one-to one meetings

            · Matchmaking for all - Participants are invited to request matchmaking meetings by reviewing participant profiles. Meetings can be scheduled according to your personal availability.

            About Connecting Space Regions Event series:

            The event series “Connecting Space Regions” aims to foster international cooperation in the area of aeronautics and space and is comprised of official keynotes, presentations and/or panel discussions. A unique longterm B2B matchmaking tool by the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) enables participants to expand and foster their business contacts well into the year 2024. Target audience are representatives from aeronautics and space institutions and companies (research, business & startups).                                                                                   
            If you are interested in joining the program, please register for the sessions on this platform!

            Organised by
            Participants
            Germany 156
            Netherlands 104
            Poland 32
            Italy 12
            Belgium 10
            Brazil 9
            France 6
            Finland 5
            Greece 4
            Sweden 4
            Australia 3
            Portugal 2
            Japan 2
            Slovakia 2
            Spain 2
            South Africa 2
            United Kingdom 2
            Austria 2
            Türkiye 1
            Ukraine 1
            Canada 1
            Denmark 1
            South Korea 1
            China 1
            Czech Republic 1
            Switzerland 1
            Luxembourg 1
            Total 368
            Participants
            Company (SME) 99
            Company (Industry) 69
            Authority/Government 43
            Start-up 41
            R&D Institution 32
            Association/Agency 31
            University 30
            Other 23
            Total 368
            Profile views
            Total 1727