The pooling of LIST’s expertise in space applications

By combining its skills, know-how and cutting-edge infrastructure in the area of space – a key high-tech sector for the Grand Duchy - and with its role of Luxembourg Space Cluster board member, 2016 has opened up new horizons to the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). LIST took part in a variety of events offering interesting opportunities to highlight its expertise in space technology, to present a selection of ongoing projects and new technologies developed together with its fellow partners, and also to generate new collaborations with both the private and public sector. 

In this context, earlier this year, LIST participated in the Toulouse Space Show (FR) and in the Luxembourg Space Show. And recently in October, the institute presented its activities in the space sector in the framework of a seminar on satellite applications "El satélite y los servicios gubernamentales: iniciativas europeas - GovSatCom" held at the initiative of the Luxembourg Embassy in Madrid (ES). Besides presenting Luxembourgish activities in the use of space assets for governments and private companies, the seminar was also the occasion to present Luxembourg’s Smart Space initiative in the framework of the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest)-HPC project which Spain and Luxembourg are involved in, alongside France and Italy. 

As regards activities relating to the development of new synergies and partnerships at the European level, the Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) department of LIST lately joined the Network of Copernicus Relays, following the participation in a European wide call of interest published by the Unit ‘Space Data for Societal Challenges and Growth’ of the DG for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. The objective of this international network of stakeholders is to engage with the European Commission at a national, regional and local level to foster the Copernicus user uptake. Copernicus stands for the European Union Earth observation and monitoring programme and has been set up to provide decision makers, businesses and citizens with reliable and up-to-date information on how our planet and its climate are changing in order to take the right actions.

Thus in one of the recently approved projects LIST will, together with the Luxembourgish company space4environment, valorise Earth observation data to develop a land cover information system for Luxembourg.