Space Industry-Science Workshop

IN PERSON ONLY

ABOUT

Riga Technical University (RTU), in collaboration with Aalto University and Stockholm University, is pleased to announce the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP): Space Industry-Science Workshop. This initiative provides students and academic staff with a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts from the space science and industry sectors, fostering knowledge exchange and hands-on collaboration in space mission planning.

The rapid development of space science and technology has opened up numerous funding opportunities through the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union, and other financial sources. As new space mission opportunities emerge, it is crucial to enhance collaboration between space scientists and industry professionals. This BIP programme serves as a platform for pre-mission proposal development, facilitating discussions between European universities, the European Astrobiology Institute (EAI), and startup companies. The programme aims to equip participants with practical skills, enabling them to explore emerging industry opportunities and scientific advancements.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The BIP consists of both virtual and physical components:

1. Physical Component (August 18-22, 2025) – A five-day intensive workshop featuring expert lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions where students will work on mission design proposals in collaboration with experienced space scientists and startup founders.
2. Virtual Component (Post-Workshop, 3 Days) – Student groups will refine and complete their mission proposals, following a structured template prepared by Slavinskis, Geppert, and Praks. This phase simulates real-world distributed collaboration in space mission planning. Students will submit a five-page mission proposal and deliver a final online presentation, evaluated by professors and industry experts.

OBJECTIVES

1. Facilitate Collaboration: Bring together experts from space science and industry with a proven track record in university-to-private-sector commercialisation.
2. Provide Practical Training: Equip students with hands-on experience in space mission planning in cooperation with small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
3. Develop New Models: Establish innovative collaboration frameworks between universities and industry, applicable during both the initial mission design and later implementation phases.

PARTNER INSTITUTIONS

• Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia
• Stockholm University, Sweden (Prof. Wolf Geppert)
• Aalto University, Finland (Prof. Jaan Praks)
• European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) (Prof. Wolf Geppert, Prof. Andris Slavinskis)
• SIA Nanocraft (Latvia) – Industry Partner

INSTRUCTORS

• Prof. Andris Slavinskis (RTU, SIA Nanocraft, EAI Industry Liaison), Latvia
• Prof. Nigel Mason (University of Kent), UK
• Prof. Andris Vaivads (Ventspils University of AppliedSciences & KTH), Latvia
• Dr. Gunnar Maehlum (IDEAS), Norway
• Dr. Laurynas Mačiulis (Astrolight, former Nanoavioncs), Lithuania
• Dr. Mihails Ščepanskis (Deep Space Energy), Latvia
• Prof. Mart Noorma (Co-founder of Darkstar VC), Estonia
• Prof. Martin Tajmar (TU Dresden), Germany
• Andris K Berzins (Change Ventures and Startup House), Latvia
• Prof. Tomasz Zajkowski (AGH University of Krakow, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, NASA Ames Research Center), Poland & US
• Prof. Mykola Ivchenko (KTH), Sweden
• Janis Dalbins (University of Tartu), Estonia
• Perttu Yli-Opas (Aurora Propulsion Technologies), Finland
• Krišs Pujāts (Gravity Team), Latvia

FINANCES

• Participants from outside of Latvia can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship provided by their home universities to support their travel and accommodation expenses.
• There are no participation fees for this BIP.

To secure the grant, students have to consult the Erasmus+ office of their home university regarding its availability and the nominations have to be sent by the responsible coordinators via e-mail to: erasmus@rtu.lv.

ECTS CREDITS
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive 3 ECTS credits.

APPLICATION

• International students and Academic staff (who want to take part in Erasmus BIP, secure Erasmus mobility grants, receive ECTC credits): Apply here! By May 31 2025.
• Everyone else (who wants to attend the workshop but won't be participating in the Erasmus BIP programme and will cover their own travel and accommodation costs, the participation in the workshop will still be free of charge): apply via this Eventbrite event

English Proficiency Requirement: Minimum B1 level/fluent.

IN PERSON ONLY

CONTACTS
For Erasmus BIP eligibility and mobility funding queries:
Riga Technical University
Kateryna Parfenchuk: kateryna.parfenchuk_1@rtu.lv

For organisational matters:
Riga Technical University
Petra Baiba Olehno: baiba.olehno@rtu.lv

For academic/course-related questions:
Riga Technical University
Andris Slavinskis: andris.slavinskis@rtu.lv