Space offers new opportunities

Finnish space expertise comprises cutting-edge space and atmospheric research, and competence in electronics and software used in space components. Finnish companies and research organisations have participated in the design and preparation process for dozens of satellites, both in European Space Agency (ESA) projects and with international partners.

The four key areas of Finnish space activities are:

• scientific research into space and the Earth;
• satellite remote sensing;
• satellite positioning; and
• space industry.

New Space, or the transformation of the space sector, attracts new players in many countries, including Finland. ‘New Space’ refers to space activities carried out by operators that are new to the sector and typically commercially oriented and independent of the State. Small satellites and private launch services enable easier access into space, and with lower costs. In February 2024, there are already 25 Finnish satellites in orbit: 3 university satellites (Aalto) and 22 commercial satellites (Iceye, Reaktor Space Lab and Aurora Propulsion Technologies).

The Finnish Space Committee steers the implementation of space strategy

The Finnish Space Committee operates as an advisory board under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The objective of the space strategy is to make Finland the world's most attractive and agile space business environment that benefits all companies operating here, by 2025.

International cooperation is central to space policy

The European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of outer Space (UN COPUOS) are the key actors in international space cooperation.

On 21.1.2025, Finland joined the Artemis accords Signatory StatesLink to an external website. The document originated in cooperation between the U.S. Department of State and NASA in order to contribute to the enhancement of the Artemis programme. A separate statement was published in connection to the signature according to which Finland continues to regard the United Nations (UN) as the primary forum for the development of international space lawFile opens in a new tab pdf 21kB .

Space activities are subject to authorisation

Provisions on space activities are laid down in the Act on Space Activities (63/2018) and the Decree of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 74/2018) enacted by virtue of the Act.

Space activities may be carried on only subject to prior authorisation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Satellites and other space objects launched into outer space are registered in the registry of space objects maintained by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. 

Further information:

Tuija Ypyä
tuija.ypya(at)gov.fi