In the heart of Europe, Wallonia continues to cement its reputation as a dynamic hub for aerospace innovation. Anchored by a rich industrial heritage, world-class research institutions, and a spirit of international cooperation, the region plays an increasingly vital role in the global space ecosystem.
This April, that vision took flight in the United Kingdom — one of Europe’s most forward-looking space markets — where a Walloon delegation engaged in a high-level mission to deepen collaboration and highlight the region’s leadership in space technologies.
A Gateway to Innovation: Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
The mission began at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, a cornerstone of the UK’s space infrastructure. Home to over 100 space-related organisations, the campus provided a fertile ground for dialogue and discovery.
Representatives from Skywin, CRM Group, Space4ReLaunch, Centre Spatial de Liège, Université libre de Bruxelles, and Université catholique de Louvain were welcomed into some of the campus’s most advanced research facilities:
- The Central Laser Facility, a pioneer in high-intensity laser science with wide applications in materials and aerospace research.
- RAL Space, internationally recognised for its satellite instrumentation and contributions to key space missions.
- The Harwell Space Cluster, where academia, industry, and government converge to accelerate innovation.
Over a working lunch with the Satellite Applications Catapult, the delegation shared insights into Wallonia’s thriving aerospace ecosystem and explored pathways for joint R&D initiatives, particularly in Earth observation, satellite applications, and materials engineering.
That evening, a reception hosted at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence in London offered a platform for deeper engagement with UK space leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. These conversations underscored the shared ambition of both regions to lead in the next era of space collaboration.
Wallonia at Space-Comm Expo 2025: A Showcase of Vision and Capability
At Space-Comm Expo 2025, held in Farnborough, the Walloon Pavilion stood as a beacon of technological excellence and cross-border potential. Over two days, the delegation engaged with a broad spectrum of global actors—from emerging startups to major aerospace primes.
Key moments included:
- Dynamic presentations by Skywin, AMOS, and Space4ReLaunch, illustrating Wallonia’s strengths in satellite design, space technology, and systems engineering.
- One-on-one meetings with leading universities, research consortia, and international firms, laying the groundwork for new partnerships.
The event reinforced the message that Wallonia is not just a participant but a co-architect of the future space economy.
Moving Forward: A Shared Trajectory in Space
The UK mission marked a new chapter in Wallonia’s international engagement, one defined by openness, innovation, and collaboration. It also reflected the strategic value of long-term partnerships in tackling the complex challenges and vast opportunities of the space sector.
This initiative was made possible through the support of AWEX London and the Research & Innovation Department, whose contributions continue to strengthen Wallonia’s global footprint in science and technology.
In space, as on Earth, collaboration is key. And from Harwell to Farnborough, Wallonia is charting a bold course—one built on shared knowledge, mutual trust, and the ambition to go further, together.
