Workshop at Sandbjerg Gods Set the Stage for Denmark’s Future Space Missions
On 11–12 September 2025, 70 representatives from across the Danish space sector gathered at Sandbjerg Gods for the workshop Framework for National Space Missions.
Over the course of one and a half days, participants engaged in intensive dialogue and collaboration to help shape the framework for Denmark’s future national space missions.
The workshop is part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Space Research and Innovation and was designed not to define specific missions, but to establish the principles and structures that will guide upcoming missions.
In Professor Hans Kjeldsen words:
“The Sandbjerg workshop was more than just a meeting — it was an important step toward a shared process for developing Denmark’s future national space missions. By strengthening collaboration between universities, industry, and government, the Danish space sector is moving toward a clearer vision and closer cooperation in the years ahead.”
Drawing inspiration from Denmark’s pioneering Ørsted satellite, the ambition is to create missions that strengthen science, technology, industry, and society – while fostering the skills, collaborations, and innovations that will secure Denmark’s role in space exploration and applications for years to come.
A Strong Programme and Broad Involvement
Preparation for the workshop began with a national survey distributed earlier this year. More than 130 responses from across the Danish space ecosystem highlighted perspectives, priorities, and challenges. Alongside the call from the Ministry, these inputs shaped the backbone of the workshop: four themes explored in dedicated group sessions:
- Overall goals of the national space mission programme – What Denmark should aim to achieve, aligned with national strategy.
- Key technologies, innovation, and capacity building – Strengthening skills, infrastructure, and technological competences.
- National and international collaboration – Building effective cooperation across sectors, with ESA, the EU, and global partners.
- Governance, funding, and selection models – Creating transparent, efficient, and fair structures to manage missions
Participants rotated between groups for each session, ensuring that everyone exchanged ideas with a wide range of colleagues from across the sector. Facilitators guided discussions, while short participant pitches brought forward professional insights and perspectives from each participant – fostering collaboration and community building across the sector.
Shaping the Path Forward
The workshop generated valuable insights that will form the foundation for a forthcoming report to the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science. The report will play a central role in shaping Denmark’s new programme for national space missions, and will, on the basis of all the data collected, be drafter in the comming months. As a part of this writw-up process, two review seminars will take place, where the space sector once again is invited to join - here with a focus on qualifying the drafted report. Find more information on the review seminars here.
A huge thanks to all participants for your valuable contributions and commitment throughout the workshop. The breadth of perspectives and expertise shared at Sandbjerg has provided an important foundation for the work ahead, and we look forward to continuing the process throughout 2025.