The GEMINI-center for Small Satellites (with NTNU, SINTEF and UiO) together with the Norwegian Space Cluster, Tekna Romfart and NIFRO invite you to the Microsatellite symposium. The seminar will be held at Sjølystparket at Skøyen, 9th of February 2026, from 09:00 (Norwegian time).

Topic and theme:  
Norway now (soon) has the capability of running small satellite projects from start to finish industrially. Several Norwegian Universities have science missions ongoing. A growing number of actors from big and small industry, the research sector and the educational sector are involved in one way or another.

Fragmenting of, the community is a risk, so through the small satellite symposium, we hope to bring actors together. This year, we focus on two themes: Science updates for small satellite projects and especially the outlooks: What are the key research and industrial challenges for the next 5 to 10 years? Is it data management – including processing – onboard the satellites? Communication bottlenecks? Civil security? Cyber-security? Space situational awareness? Requiring or funding issues?

Free of charge, including lunch and snacks!

NORSTEC Summit is created by students—for everyone who is curious about a rapidly growing industry, technology, and new opportunities. The goal is to bring young talent and industry stakeholders together in one arena to learn, inspire, and create new collaborations. You do not need to be “part of the scene” beforehand. What matters most is curiosity.

Globally, major shifts are underway: According to McKinsey, the global space economy could reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2035¹, while the EU estimates that the European space economy could reach EUR 378 billion by 2031². Space is no longer a niche—it is a future-oriented industry with significant opportunities for technology, jobs, and value creation.

Norway holds a unique position. From Tromsø in the north to Stavanger in the south, student communities are developing rockets, satellites, and cutting-edge space technology at a world-class level. More than 500 students are already organized across ten technical organizations, now united under NORSTEC. Together, we elevate one another, share knowledge, and showcase what the next generation can create.

The 27th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research is organised and sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Norway as the host country. 

The local organiser is Andøya Space AS. The symposium programme will be defined by the Programme Committee, composed of the representatives of the five Member States of the Esrange Andøya Special Project (EASP) for the launching of sounding rockets and balloons, and ESA.