Poland’s 2025 EU Presidency: Advancing Space Innovation through Research
In the first half of 2025, Poland assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time. As president, Poland guides discussions and decision-making across all levels of the Council, working to build cooperation and consensus among EU Member States.
Under the official motto “Security, Europe!”, Poland’s presidency prioritizes seven key security dimensions. In the space sector, it focuses on utilizing Earth observation (EO) data and artificial intelligence (AI) for security and crisis management, while also encouraging the integration of space technologies with defense and other industries. A major event, the EU Space Days 2025, will take place in Gdańsk on May 27-28 under Poland’s leadership.
EU Space Research and Innovation
Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework program for research and innovation, funds projects aimed at advancing space technologies, products, and services. These initiatives help maintain the EU’s competitiveness while ensuring autonomy in accessing and utilizing space.
As Poland leads the EU presidency, several Polish organizations are contributing to cutting-edge space research. Here are five key EU-funded projects involving Polish participants:
EROSS SC – Transforming In-Space Operations
Polish Participant: PIAP Space
The EROSS SC project focuses on advancing robotic technologies for on-orbit servicing, a crucial element of future space operations and maintenance. It integrates various technologies into a single mission concept, addressing satellite rendezvous, capturing, and servicing to enhance space sustainability.
🔗 Learn more: EROSS SC
LUWEX – Extracting Water from Moon Dust
Polish Participants: Scanway, Wrocław University of Science and Technology
The LUWEX project has developed technologies for extracting and purifying water from lunar regolith. Researchers successfully demonstrated ice extraction in laboratory conditions, showing the potential for drinking water, oxygen production, and rocket fuel for sustainable space missions.
📽️ Watch the project summary: LUWEX achievements
🔗 Learn more: LUWEX
ORCHIDE – Advancing On-Board Earth Observation
Polish Participant: KP Labs
ORCHIDE enhances on-board data processing in Earth observation missions, addressing the challenge of managing large volumes of satellite data. By enabling real-time data processing, the project improves efficiency, mission flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for satellite operations.
🔗 Learn more: ORCHIDE
SALTO – Developing Europe’s First Reusable Launcher
Polish Participant: SpaceForest
The SALTO project pioneers European reusable rocket technology, aiming to reduce launch costs, minimize environmental impact, and strengthen Europe’s position in strategic space missions. In 2025, the project will conduct fly/recover/re-fly cycles of a reusable rocket demonstrator in coordination with ESA’s THEMIS program.
🔗 Learn more: SALTO
THEIA – Strengthening the Copernicus Security Service
Polish Participant: Creotech Instruments
THEIA tackles crisis management challenges arising from conflict, climate change, extreme weather, and food shortages. By integrating Geospatial AI (GeoAI) and Machine Learning, the project enhances Earth observation data analysis to support security and policymaking efforts, especially within the Copernicus Security Services.
🔗 Learn more: THEIA
EU’s Commitment to Space Research
Through EU Space Research, the European Union fosters a cost-effective, competitive, and innovative space industry. Under Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Space (Destination 5), HaDEA funds projects that:
✅ Drive advancements in the EU Space Programme
✅ Strengthen the EU’s independent access to space
✅ Ensure technological autonomy in critical space sectors
For more information on EU space policy and research funding, visit:
🔗 EU Space Research
Poland’s 2025 EU Presidency marks a crucial step in advancing Europe’s space innovation, security, and technological leadership. 🚀
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