­Visit of TU Dresden to the EUSPA in Prague

On 12.06.2024, 30 students from TUD Dresden University of Technology set off for the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) in Prague as part of the new module "Space Economics" . The field trip was significantly supported by the "Verein zur Förderung des Faches Business Administration and Economics an der TU Dresden e.V." (Association for the Promotion of Business Administration and Economics at TU Dresden).

After arriving in Prague, the students were given a two-hour insight into the EUSPA. Among other things, the European authority coordinates and monitors the use of Galileo and Copernicus, two of Europe's most important satellite systems. Galileo, the global navigation satellite system, provides precise positioning and timing services. Copernicus is the EU's earth observation program. Reinhard Blasi, Market Downstream and Innovation Manager, told the students how Copernicus satellites collect valuable data for monitoring the environment, climate change, disaster management and security. Stefan Schneider, in his role as Space Downstream Entrepreneurship Officer, then explained the funding opportunities offered to young space start-ups by the EUSPA as part of the Cassini initiative. The EUSPA also offers numerous monetary or non-material funding opportunities for founders in the space sector who are still at the beginning of their journey. Both presentations were met with lively interest from the students and numerous questions.

After a short lunch break, the field trip continued to the Aviation Museum Kbely. This museum, known for its impressive collection of historic airplanes and helicopters, offered participants the opportunity to experience developments in aviation history at first hand. The students were able to explore the exhibits independently and learned a lot about the technical development and historical milestones in former Soviet aviation.

In the late afternoon, the group returned to Dresden, where they arrived safely in the evening. The field trip to the EUSPA and the Aviation Museum Kbely not only provided the students with a fascinating insight into European aerospace, but also enriched their understanding of the economic and technological interrelationships in the innovative space sector.

We would like to thank the EUSPA, especially Reinhard Blasi and Stefan Schneider for the insights into the EUSPA. Special thanks go to the "Verein zur Förderung des Faches Business Administration and Economics an der TU Dresden e.V.", whose support made the field trip possible.