ESA Briefing of the next Requesting Party Activities (RPA) call

Registration is now open for the upcoming ESA Briefing, which will present the next Requesting Party Activities (RPA) call — including its structure, funding opportunities, and how Latvian companies and research institutions can get involved.

Please register here.

This event is particularly relevant for representatives of research organizations and knowledge-intensive businesses aiming to engage in the European space sector. It will offer practical guidance on project participation and funding, and include individual consultations with ESA experts.

Latvia’s Role in the ESA and the RPA Programme

Since 27 July 2020, Latvia has held Associate Member status within the European Space Agency (ESA). This membership grants Latvian-registered organizations access to the National Programme: Requesting Party Activities (RPA).

The RPA programme aims to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of local organizations by supporting the development of innovative space-related products and services, with the goal of building sustainable business opportunities in the space industry.

The 6th RPA Call will officially open on 2 June 2025 via the ESA-STAR portal:  https://doing-business.sso.esa.int

AGENDA: ESA Briefing on the Upcoming RPA Call on May 20

•  09:00–13:00 – Information Seminar

A detailed introduction to the ESA National Programme, including participation rules, eligible activities, and funding conditions.

• 14:00–18:00 – One-on-One Consultations with ESA Representatives

Private, in-person meetings (up to 20 minutes per organization) to discuss confidential project ideas or questions related to RPA participation. These sessions will also offer an opportunity to explore potential collaboration with OHB System AG. Organizations interested in applying to the ESA BIC Latvia Business Incubation Centre will have the opportunity to have private, in-person meetings with the ESA BIC Latvia Manager.

Location: To be announced Language: English

About OHB System AG

OHB System AG is Germany’s leading satellite manufacturer and the largest company within the OHB SE group. With over 1,700 employees across its main locations in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen (near Munich), OHB delivers full-cycle satellite solutions for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and geostationary platforms.

Recognized by ESA as one of Europe’s major system integrators, OHB plays a key role in telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, science, and space exploration. Partnership opportunities with OHB offer valuable potential for Latvian organizations in the space sector.

Organizers

This event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and the European Space Agency (ESA). It is part of the ERDF project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001: “More Efficient Implementation and Management of Latvia's Science Policy”.