Shaping the Future of Space: Minister Stéphanie Obertin Speaks at Conference in Washington, D.C.

On April 1, 2026, Luxembourg’s Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, headlined a high-level space conference at the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington, D.C. Gathering top brass from science, industry, and defense, the event focused on shaping the future of the space sector. Minister Obertin’s appearance underscored the transatlantic momentum following the 2025 memorandum of understanding between the University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and UC Berkeley’s Air & Space Center.

In her address, the Minister paid tribute to SES, whose four decades of global leadership in satellite telecommunications have helped transform Luxembourg into a credible, ambitious, and forward‑looking space nation. SES, she noted, laid the foundation for a national ecosystem that now stands at the crossroads of innovation, strategy, and international cooperation.

Minister Obertin went on to highlight the pillars of Luxembourg’s space strategy:

• a cutting‑edge legislative framework designed to support responsible space activities,
• targeted investment tools that accelerate innovation,
• the creation of the Luxembourg Space Agency,
• the development of advanced skills through the Master in Space Technologies and Business at the University of Luxembourg, and
• the integration of space as a core component of the country’s national research and innovation strategy.

She emphasized that Luxembourg’s partnership with the United States is rooted in shared values and strengthened by active cooperation in defense, research, and innovation. The agreement between SnT and UC Berkeley, she noted, opens the door to new scientific breakthroughs in areas such as digital space infrastructure, space robotics, and space law—fields that will shape the next generation of space activity.

Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed Luxembourg’s determination to champion responsible and sustainable space development, deepen international partnerships, and foster a space economy that supports both strategic interests and societal progress.

“Luxembourg will continue with determination to develop a responsible, sustainable and strategic space sector, relying on research, innovation and strong international partnerships,” she concluded.