The space industry is a potential key component of economic competitiveness, and various government schemes have supported its expansion, while more are planned in future, the national economy ministry official said, adding that Hungarian space industry suppliers were "putting themselves on the map".

The ministry handles key technological areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology, he noted, adding that when it came to space, the focus was on making use of new technologies and innovations.

Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises are set to benefit from opportunities to provide space-dependent services such as international telecommunications and satellite navigation, he said.

BME rector Charaf Hassan said the university was part of the space industry ecosystem, with many research groups there involved in space research.

He referred to its own small MRC-100 satellite which entered Earth orbit on June 12 last year, while the university also helped to prepare the European Space Agency's asteroid probe Hera, among other projects.

Rodrigo da Costa, executive director of EU space agency EUSPA also addressed the opening of the two-day event, noting that political decision-makers, space industry players and entrepreneurs were gathering to share their knowledge and experiences regarding how businesses, governments and society could benefit from the EU space programme.

Meanwhile 4iG Announces Launch of HUSAT Satellite Programme

Listed ICT company 4iG on Wednesday announced the launch of its HUSAT satellite programme, the largest privately-funded one in the region.

4iG Space and Defence Technologies plans to launch one geostationary telecommunication satellite (HUGEO) and eight low Earth orbit VHR Earth observation satellites (HULEO).

The HULEO constellation will consist of six electro-optical satellites (HUEOP) and two synthetic aperture radar satellites (HUSAR) by 2032, it added.

4iG Space and Defence Technologies plans to manufacture the low Earth orbit satellites in the satellite integration centre of Martonvasar, on the outskirts of the capital, funded jointly by 4iG Space and Defence and REMRED and slated to start operating by 2026.

The HUGEO and the first HUEOP satellite will be in orbit by the end of 2028, according to the plan.

The HUSAT programme will offer Earth observation, data processing and telecommunications services.

Source: 
MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 
Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here.