“The space sector can contribute to the creation of a new model for the development of the Polish economy,” said Minister for Development and Technology Waldemar Buda. According to the ministry, the development of the space sector in Poland was accelerated by Poland’s accession to the European Space Agency (ESA).

“We see the space sector as a highly technological industry which can contribute to the creation of a new development model for the Polish economy. We want our economy to be based even more on knowledge, innovation and technological progress”, said Minister Waldemar Buda.

The Ministry of Development and Technology (MRiT) pointed out that Poland’s accession to the ESA, which took place 10 years ago, accelerated the development of the space sector in Poland. Today, the Polish space sector comprises nearly 400 entities (companies and institutes). 300 of them cooperate with the ESA on a daily basis, of which more than 150 are directly involved in projects.

The space sector, one of the most advanced and innovative areas of the modern economy, is of growing importance in Poland and worldwide. Employment in it is currently estimated at nearly 12,000 full-time jobs.

Polish companies are particularly active in fields such as robotics and automation or mechatronics. They design and build, among others, power systems for on-board equipment, optical and communication systems for satellites, sensors and ground penetrators for space probes, or software that tests systems and subsystems of objects launched into orbit.

The head of the MRIT also highlighted the success of Dr Sławosz Uznański, who was selected as a reserve astronaut qualified for NASA’s lunar missions.

“The Polish astronaut will test Polish technologies and products in orbit, so that they will be at an even higher level and more competitive”, Minister Buda pointed out.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński