(L-R) Stacie Williams, Chief Science Officer at US Space Force; Stéphanie Obertin, Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education; Credit: MAE

On Wednesday 1 April 2026, Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, spoke at a conference on the convergence of science, economics and defence in the space sector at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington DC, in the United States.

This participation follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the space sector signed in 2025 between the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and the Air & Space Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Research and Higher Education, Minister Obertin highlighted in her address the pioneering role of SES, a global player in satellite telecommunications for nearly 40 years, which has helped position Luxembourg as a credible and forward-thinking space nation. She reiterated the main pillars of Luxembourg's space strategy, namely an advanced legislative framework, targeted investment instruments, the creation of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), skills development through the Master in Space Technologies and Business at the University of Luxembourg, and the integration of space into the national research and innovation strategy.

Minister Obertin also emphasised the importance of the partnership with the United States, based on shared values ​​and active cooperation in the fields of defence, research and innovation. The MoU signed between the SnT at the University of Luxembourg and UC Berkeley opens new avenues for scientific collaboration in areas such as digital space infrastructure, space robotics and space law.

The minister reaffirmed Luxembourg's commitment to responsible and sustainable space activities, strengthening international partnerships, and developing a space economy that serves strategic needs and societal progress. "Luxembourg will resolutely pursue the development of a responsible, sustainable and strategic space sector, based on research, innovation and strong international partnerships," she said.