Space is no longer a distant world reserved for a few “rocket scientists.” It is closer to our everyday lives, to Slovak companies and researchers, than we often realize. And right now it offers concrete opportunities you can get involved in.
Space is closer than you think
You have signals from satellites in your phone, in logistics, and in the data we rely on every day. Geographically, the boundary of space is closer than, for many, a trip across the country, and technologically it is even more accessible.
If you operate in automotive, mining, biomedicine, or in engineering and IT fields, you probably already have 70% of the competencies needed to enter the space sector. The obstacle is more the notion that it’s unattainable “rocket science” than the reality of today’s market.
The European space ecosystem and the role of ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) was founded in 1975; it brings together 22 member states, 4 associate and 1 cooperating state. With an annual budget of over 7 billion euros, it carries out approximately 60% of the overall European space budget. The sector is undergoing industrialization: satellites are produced in series, costs are falling, and private actors are entering the game with projects that once only governments could handle. Alongside the renewed rivalry between the USA and China, Europe has its own strong capabilities, integrated supply chains, and services for climate, security, energy, and digital connectivity.
How to get involved: from idea to contract in 100 days
ESA operates the Discovery platform with a continuously open call for new ideas. All you need is a brief title, an illustration, and an approximately 200-word summary; ideas are assessed by experts who can quickly point you in the right direction. The shortest path from submitting an idea to a contract takes around 100 days, focused on small research tasks and feasibility studies—low bureaucracy, yet an entry into the European R&D ecosystem.
Over the past four years about 3,500 ideas have come in and around 650 contractual activities have been launched, with only two from Slovakia so far. Companies as well as academics can apply; if you’re unsure, first contact the Slovak Space Office, which will help with orientation and partnerships in Europe. Space is closer than it seems—and now is a good time to check whether your idea might fit right there.
