Abstract

How can small states ensure space resiliency for civil but also defence applications by supplementing established terrestrial-based systems? This virtual roundtable will address the case of Switzerland as a small space nation contributing to and exploring the benefits brought by the new space sector in recent years. Here we consider the definition of resiliency as: “to recover from or adjust easily to adversity or change”. We will discuss how strategic decisions at the government level to implement a national space technology development programme coupled with the decision to be an important actor within the European Space Agency (ESA) propelled Switzerland as one of the most attractive places in Europe for New Space companies and international private investment.