What role can Poland play in the European and global space market? Does its space sector have the capabilities to become a partner not only supplying technologies and subsystems, but also delivering complete space-based solutions? This is no longer a question about the distant future. The transformation is already under way.
From ESA Membership to a Growing Space Ecosystem
Before Poland joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2012, the country’s space sector was centered around two major public institutions: the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBK PAN) and the Institute of Aviation. CBK PAN has conducted space research since 1977 and contributed to the 1978 mission of Mirosław Hermaszewski, the first Polish astronaut, while the Institute of Aviation developed expertise in rocket technologies that continues to evolve today.
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Poland’s accession to ESA marked a turning point. Combined with systematic public investment in domestic space capabilities, it created an environment in which private companies, start-ups and university spin-offs could emerge and participate in international projects.
ESA’s geographical return principle was particularly important for an emerging space economy, enabling Polish entities to enter European supply chains, participate in increasingly sophisticated projects and learn from more experienced partners.
Today, Poland’s space sector comprises more than 60 public and private entities actively participating in ESA and European Union programs. More than 500 companies from related sectors, including aviation, defense, and IT have also expressed an interest in space-related activities.
Poland has developed strengths in precision mechanics, robotics, optics and optoelectronics, attitude and orbit control, power systems, advanced materials, propulsion technologies, and space and ground-segment software.
From Scientific Missions to National Capabilities
Polish companies and research institutions have contributed to 11 of ESA’s 24 missions, while Polish technologies have also supported NASA missions. Recent examples include ESA’s JUICE mission, launched in 2023 to explore Jupiter and its three large ocean-bearing moons, and PROBA-3, launched in December 2024 to study the Sun’s corona using precision formation flying. Polish entities are also involved in ESA’s NewAthena X-ray observatory, contributing mechanisms and subsystems.
This experience is increasingly being translated into operational capabilities. Polish companies are moving from supplying individual technologies and components towards building satellites, sensors and ultimately complete space systems.
New Space has accelerated this transition. Miniaturization, shorter development cycles and lower costs have reduced barriers to entry, creating new opportunities for countries such as Poland.
Three projects illustrate the scale of this change. The CAMILA program will deliver a civilian Earth Observation constellation of four satellites combining electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar capabilities, with substantial participation of Polish industry. An industrial contract worth approximately 52 million euro ($59 million) was signed in April 2025. CAMILA is implemented within a framework established between ESA and the Polish Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, responsible for national space policy.
For defense users, the MikroGlob program covers four electro-optical EO microsatellites to be delivered by Polish industry under a contract worth approximately 130 million euro ($148 million).
Poland is also contributing substantially to Europe’s secure satellite communications ambitions through IRIS². Under an agreement between the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration and the European Commission, Polish industry is expected to participate in the development of 12 additional telecommunications satellites – six in Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) and six in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) – under a program worth approximately 656 million euro ($747 million)
Another example of dual-use capacity is the Polish Space Agency’s participation in the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Partnership. POLSA contributes data from national and Agency-operated sensors, including telescopes deployed worldwide, supporting European capabilities to monitor objects and hazards in orbit.
Investment, Security and the Next Stage of Growth
None of this development would have been possible without sustained public investment. At the ESA Ministerial Council in November 2025, Poland committed 731 million euro ($832 million) to ESA for 2026 – 2028, including nearly 550 million euros ($626 million) for optional programs. This represents a substantial increase in resources available to strengthen technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness.
The growing importance of space was also demonstrated by the IGNIS mission of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, the second Pole in space. During the international Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station, the Polish ESA project astronaut conducted 13 Polish experiments and technology demonstrations in areas ranging from medicine and biotechnology to advanced technologies, providing Polish institutions and companies with new research opportunities.
These investments have acquired an additional strategic dimension. In today’s geopolitical environment, space systems are essential not only for economic development but also for national security and resilience. Earth Observation, satellite communications, navigation and space situational awareness are inherently dual-use capabilities, supporting civilian services and critical security and defense functions.
The Polish Space Agency (POLSA) plays an important role in this transformation. As a government executive agency, POLSA supports the development and internationalization of the national space sector, builds partnerships and helps initiate new projects. It acts as a bridge between government priorities, industry, research institutions and international partners, helping transform national ambitions into technological capabilities.
As an active-duty military officer and vice president of the Polish Space Agency, my particular responsibility is to systematize these efforts in the security and defense domain. A key priority is developing dual-use capabilities for civilian and military users while strengthening Poland’s technological sovereignty, national resilience and contribution to European security.
The next stage will be about scale: moving from individual components and participation in international missions towards integrated systems and sustainable national capabilities. Poland’s hosting of the International Astronautical Congress in Poznań in 2027 will provide an important opportunity to present this transformation to the global space community.
Poland entered ESA as an emerging space nation. Fifteen years later, the ambition is no longer simply to participate. It is to become a reliable European partner capable of developing technologies, building systems and contributing complete solutions to Europe’s future in space. VS
Col. Marcin Mazur is the vice president of the Polish Space Agency (POLSA)
