In late November, 2024, the Messe Bremen in Germany hosted the SpaceTech Expo Europe, the continent’s largest trade fair dedicated to space technology.

The event attracted over 8,000 attendees, including engineers, business leaders, and industry decision-makers, showcasing ground-breaking innovations from organisations like the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, Thales Alenia Space, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, as well as key European players like OHB and Airbus. This dynamic gathering highlighted the evolving landscape of global space exploration and technology.

Spread across 4 giant halls, more than 700 exhibitors participated, featuring advancements across sectors such as satellite design, spacecraft manufacturing, propulsion systems, and data applications.

Startups like Rocket Factory Augsburg and Isar Aerospace displayed their disruptive solutions alongside established companies such as Raytheon Technologies and Maxar Technologies. Attendees engaged in B2B matchmaking sessions (in specially designated areas), facilitating one-on-one meetings to drive partnerships and supply chain collaboration, making the expo a hub for strategic networking.

Four parallel conferences explored topics like satellite-driven mobility, industry trends in space innovation, and small satellite development, offering insights into future advancements.

The Exhibitor Technology Forum hosted live presentations from major companies, while special features like Orion’s Den, a competition akin to “Shark Tank,” allowed organisations to pitch innovative ideas to a panel of experts. The Hackathon showcased real-time mission operations, with a focus on diverse teams, including women-led initiatives.

The University Pavilion spotlighted academic contributions in rocketry and smallsat development, underscoring the next generation’s role in space exploration. Interactive experiences, including live technology demonstrations, allowed attendees to explore cutting-edge tools first hand, enhancing decision-making and investment opportunities.

As the home of OHB, Airbus, and other pivotal European players, Bremen’s legacy as the "City of Space" made it an ideal venue for the expo. Its central location and accessibility further cemented its role as a nexus for innovation and collaboration within the space sector.

The 2024 SpaceTech Expo Europe demonstrated why it remains an unmissable event for those shaping the future of space technology, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking, and innovation in the global space industry.

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