The Lithuanian delegation to IAC 2024 in Milan is among the largest international space fairs hosted this year. Inside the booth, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dalia Kreiviene, Ambassador of Lithuania to Italy and Egle Elena Sataite, Head of Space Hub LT at Innovation Agency Lithuania. The country has a strong impact on innovations affecting Space, mainly due to its role as an innovator in the laser technology landscape. Not surprisingly, two leading companies, along with the delegation, were involved in that scenario. We are talking about Astrolight and Black Swan Space. The former was represented by Adomas Lukenskas, System engineer, Astrolight, and Marius Klimavičius, CEO, Black Swan Space.   

Despite its small size, Lithuania is rapidly emerging as a dynamic player in the European space sector.  In recent years, the country has invested significantly in creating a vibrant space ecosystem characterised by strong collaboration between universities, research centres, and private companies. One of the strengths of the Lithuanian ecosystem is its specialisation in small satellites and laser technologies. The Lithuanian government has played a key role in developing this ecosystem, promoting funding programs for research and innovation and facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors. 

Lithuanian delegation IAC 2024

Joining the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2021 has further strengthened Lithuania’s position in the European space landscape. More than 50 entities are taking part in the international supply chain of the Lithuanian space ecosystem. In the past three years, the country has seen a growth of up to 50 per cent of the companies supported in the segment, while each year, more than 50 per cent of the companies in that scenario reach a turnover of 10 million euros. The Lithuanian space ecosystem is still young but has already shown great potential for growth.  With the government’s continued support and increasing collaboration between different players, Lithuania is set to become an increasingly important space innovation hub at the European level.