By Daspina Hasanova
Copyright trend
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. Lithuania has
allocated an additional 5.5 million euros to participate in
European Space Agency (ESA) programs, strengthening the country’s
integration into international markets, fostering the development
of high technologies and science, and advancing innovation in space
technologies, Trend reports.
Lithuania’s total investment in ESA programs will reach 14.5
million euros from 2026 through 2028, which is 62 percent more than
the period from 2022 through 2025.
“Lithuania is taking bold steps onto the global space technology
stage. The products created in this sector have significant
potential to strengthen the defense and security industries. This
year, we have implemented several space technology projects that
have already brought recognition to our country. We have ambitious
goals for the sector to reach 1 percent of Lithuania’s GDP by 2027.
Our cooperation with ESA brings tangible added value to business,
science, and the national economy, and we believe the benefits of
this additional 5.5 million euros investment will be felt in the
coming years,” said Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation
Marius Stasiukaitis.
Lithuanian scientists and innovators achieved several historic
milestones in space technologies this year. Vilnius Gediminas
Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) and the Research Council of
Lithuania introduced the country’s first industrial doctorate — an
innovative satellite engine. In addition, a laser developed by
Integrated Optics was launched into orbit for the first time, where
it will conduct quantum computing experiments in space.
Other achievements include Delta Biosciences testing
anti-radiation molecules designed to protect astronauts on the
International Space Station, and NanoAvionics signing a 122.5
million euros contract to produce 280 satellites. Astrolight has
begun developing an “optical data highway,” while BlackSwan Space
is working on a vision-based navigation system that enables
satellites to operate autonomously without constant human
These success stories have strengthened Lithuania’s expertise in
space technology, science, and photonics, while boosting the
country’s visibility in Europe and globally.
To further accelerate sector growth, the Ministry of Economy and
Innovation has prepared a National Space Sector Development
Concept. The goal is to make Lithuania a competitive provider of
space-related services and to develop solutions and technologies
driven by advanced scientific research.
The Space Hub LT initiative, operating under the Innovation
Agency, is also contributing to the growth of Lithuania’s space
companies by supporting the development of the ecosystem and
implementing space policy.
The additional funding comes ahead of the ESA Council of
Ministers meeting in Bremen, Germany, on November 26–27, 2025 — the
agency’s highest-level decision-making forum, held once every three
years. At the meeting, new ESA programs will be approved and
budgets allocated for the next three-year period.
Lithuania has been an associate member of ESA since 2021.
