{"id":2139,"date":"2025-05-05T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/app.gate-31.com\/?p=2139"},"modified":"2025-05-05T20:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T18:48:06","slug":"belgium-carves-its-path-among-the-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/app.gate-31.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/05\/belgium-carves-its-path-among-the-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"Belgium makes its way among the stars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Belgium – and Wallonia in particular – boasts a dynamic space ecosystem, rich in expertise and advanced skills. Engineers, researchers, and specialized technicians all play a vital role in driving the sector’s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting with Jean-Pierre Chisogne<\/strong>, Skywin’s new Space Director.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jean-Pierre Chisogne, a civil engineer in electromechanics with a specialization in Aerospace, is the new Skywin’s Space Director.
Photo \u00a9\ufe0fArnaud Chisogne<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Wallonia plays a major role in the global space industry: can you tell us more?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wallonia plays a significant role in the global space sector, building on a strong industrial heritage. The region\u2019s expertise in space technologies is deeply rooted in its metallurgical past – an industry in which Wallonia was a world leader throughout the 20th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, this legacy has evolved into a thriving space ecosystem. Innovation and international collaboration are central to the region\u2019s continued success and global influence in the space industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hub of technological and professional expertise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wallonia is home to a deep reservoir of technological and professional know-how in the space sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We have strong capabilities in areas related to launchers and, above all, in Earth observation across the entire value chain. This includes mission preparation, satellite launches, ground control operations, in-orbit equipment management, and the retrieval and exploitation of space data for both scientific and commercial applications<\/em> – Jean-Pierre Chisogne.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Among the many renowned players, I could mention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • The Centre Spatial de Li\u00e8ge<\/strong> (CSL) is one of Europe’s leading ground test centers. Recognized by ESA as a center of excellence in optics, the CSL assesses the performance of satellite payloads by recreating the conditions of space on Earth. The center specializes in the calibration of optical instruments under vacuum and extreme temperatures, ranging from -269\u00b0C to +120\u00b0C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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    Preparing the METIMAGE instrument calibration test. Image \u00a9\ufe0fCEL<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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    • AMOS<\/strong>, recognized for its optical, mechanical and observation solutions, which incorporate cutting-edge technologies originally developed for astronomy and now used for Earth observation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      • Safran Aero Boosters, <\/strong>specializes in flow regulation valves for space launcher engines and stages.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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        Image \u00a9\ufe0fSafran\/Anthony Lemoine<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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        • SABCA,<\/strong> which designs, develops, tests, manufactures, and repairs hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and electro-mechanical actuators and actuation systems for all aerospace applications. SABCA also supplies structural components for certain launch vehicles. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Thales Alenia Space <\/strong>has been a key player in many European and international space programmes for over 60 years, thanks to its expertise in power supplies for satellites and launchers. In particular, the control electronics for the nozzle steering systems on Ariane 6. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • SPACEBEL, <\/strong>which develops embedded software for space systems \u2013 including satellites and launchers – as well as advanced satellite data management solutions for control centers and geospatial applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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              In terms of planetary defense, SPACEBEL plays a major role, particularly on the European Space Agency’s HERA mission. Image \u00a9\ufe0fSPACEBEL<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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              • Lambda-X,<\/strong> specialized in developing high performance optical systems for space <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
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                Lambda-X Microgravity Experiment COLIS : the experiment aims at investigating the origin, formation and dynamics of colloidal crystals, glasses, and gels. Besides the enormous industrial interest behind colloidal suspensions in many markets, there is a genuine basic scientific interest since colloids phase diagrams mimic those of more complex molecular systems. The COLIS instrument aims at studying the formation of colloidal structures with a combination of light scattering techniques. 
                Image \u00a9\ufe0f Lambda-X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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                • EHP<\/strong>, expert in Space thermal control. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                  • constellr<\/strong>, European leader in thermal data services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Space Debris <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Our research centers also play a leading role. The Cenaero <\/strong>center, specializing in aerospace and defense through the use of advanced simulation tools, collaborates with ESA, the von Karman Institute, and other research organizations on critical issues. These include the degradation of materials during atmospheric re-entry (space debris and heat shields) and the topological optimization of critical components under stress, as shown in the illustration below.<\/p>\n\n\n

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                    Space-related simulation activities carried out by the Cenaero research center.
                    Visual \u00a9\ufe0f Cenaero<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                    With the rise of New Space – illustrated in Belgium by companies like Aerospacelab <\/strong>– several global leaders in launcher technology have focused on developing technologies for reusable launchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I won\u2019t try to list all the players contributing to the strength and international reputation of Wallonia\u2019s space sector\u2026 the list would be far too long (he smiles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Cybersecurity and space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Belgium, which hosts ESA’s Operational Security Center (ESEC<\/strong>) in Redu, is also one of ESA’s largest financial contributors. Despite its relatively small size, this status gives Belgium a pivotal role in funding space cybersecurity initiatives. Space cybersecurity plays a crucial role at every stage: from protecting satellites against cyber threats, securing space data, to safeguarding ground infrastructure, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    What are the strengths of Belgian and Walloon space companies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    In addition to the extensive experience and expertise we have built up over the years, Belgium boasts exceptional human capital. Every year, a dense network of universities and colleges trains engineers, scientists, and technicians who specialize in space-related professions. In addition to our skilled workforce, we also have sophisticated production infrastructures and advanced test facilities for satellites and space equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Combining know-how and listening to customers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Wallonia’s industrial ecosystem, largely composed of SMEs, is known for its flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to adapt to the specific needs of each customer. What truly sets Wallonia’s players apart is their ability to listen attentively and understand the clients\u2019 needs. Speaking French and English, two languages that are ubiquitous in the aerospace industry, is probably also an asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Synergies between universities, research centers, and industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    All Belgian universities that train engineers also serve as powerful research hubs. They have taken the initiative to join forces in the Joint Research Institute for Space (JRI4Space<\/strong>), an initiative that brings together university representatives, research centers, and a network of companies in the space sector. The aim is to better align industrial needs with scientific offerings, thus positioning space as a key area for innovation, where basic research and technological development go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    In this context, the role of the Skywin cluster is crucial. It works to foster synergies and structure partnerships around joint and innovative projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The link between space and defense <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Today, the connection between space and defense is more relevant than ever. Most technologies developed in the space sector are \u00ab\u00a0dual-use\u00a0\u00bb, meaning that can serve both civil and military purposes. This creates a natural synergy, where space technologies can be adapted to meet defense needs – and vice versa. Furthermore, new technological requirements are emerging from the military, particularly in two critical areas: Earth observation for strategic surveillance, and Space Situational Awareness (SSA), to better understand and anticipate orbital dynamics. These issues are becoming crucial as space becomes increasingly militarized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Challenges and ambitions of the Walloon space sector<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The Walloon space sector is entering a critical phase. One of the main challenges ahead will be financial, particularly securing the public support to maintain the current momentum. At the same time, the transition to New Space is creating new dynamics including cost pressures, higher production rates, and rapid shifts in business models. The sector must adapt to these changes while maintaining a high level of quality and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Any last words?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I would say that our country holds a clear lead in space technologies. We are committed to maximizing this advantage, to make it grow and, above all, to share it with our partners and customers around the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Article \u00a9\ufe0fGate.31<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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