Welcome!

The SSC Customer Conference 2023 was held in Kiruna on 21-22 February 2023, bringing together industry experts, customers, and SSC representatives to discuss the latest developments and innovations in the space industry.

Kiruna is a small town located in northern Sweden, known for its nature and for its important role in the space industry. The town is situated in the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including mountains, forests, and lakes.

One of the main draws of Kiruna is the Esrange Space Center, which is operated by our group SSC - Swedish Space Corporation. Esrange is one of the world's most advanced space centers, featuring a range of facilities and equipment for conducting space research and launching rockets. The center has been in operation since the 1960s and has been largerly used to conduct scientific experiments and to test new space technologies.

In addition to its space-related activities, Kiruna is also home to several research institutions and universities, including the Space Campus at Luleå University of Technology. This campus offers a range of degree programs and research opportunities in the fields of space science, space technology, and atmospheric science.

Overall, Kiruna is a unique and fascinating place that offers a range of opportunities for those interested in space activities and research. Its stunning natural surroundings and world-class facilities make it a hub for the global space industry, and the perfect venue for the SSC Customer Conference 2023.

The conference began with an opening speech by the CEO of SSC, Stefan Gardefjord, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward. He emphasized the need for new ideas and technologies to meet the evolving needs of customers, and pledged SSC’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.

Over the course of the two-day conference, attendees participated in a variety of panels and sessions covering a range of topics. These included discussions on the latest advances in space technology, the future of space exploration, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

SSC CC23 Opening speech from Stefan Gardefjord

One of the highlights of the conference was a panel discussion on the role of satellites in addressing global challenges such as climate change and disaster response. The panel included experts from a range of industries, including agriculture, energy, and telecommunications, and explored the ways in which satellite data can be used to address pressing global issues.

Throughout the conference, there was a strong emphasis on collaboration and networking, with attendees given ample opportunity to connect with industry peers and explore potential partnerships and collaborations.

Aurora Representatives

Davide Starnone, Managing Director of Aurora, and Simone Migliari, Aurora Chief Operations Officer, were also in attendance at the SSC Customer Conference 2023. They represented Aurora Technology from the Netherlands and Spain and followed several sessions and discussions throughout the conference.

Starnone and Migliari brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the conference, having worked extensively in the space industry in Europe and beyond. They were able to connect with industry peers and customers from around the world.

Their participation in the conference highlighted the importance of international collaboration and cooperation in driving innovation and progress in the space industry. It also demonstrated the strength of SSC's global network and the diverse perspectives and expertise that it brings to the table.

Also representatives from the SSC Engineering Services were attending, among them Nathalie Fortier, President of the SSC Engineering Services Division and Managing Director of LSE Space, German subsidiary of the SSC Group.

Davide & Simone at SSC CC23

Having fun!

In addition to the infomative sessions and discussions, the SSC Customer Conference 2023 also featured some fun activities for attendees to enjoy.

A visit to the Esrange Space Center, located just outside of Kiruna, was organized, where participants were able to see the various facilities and equipment used by SSC to launch rockets and conduct research.

The visit was followed by a tour to the world-famous Ice hotel, where participants had the chance to see the unique rooms made entirely of ice and have a fancy drink in a ice glass in the ice bar!

Gala dinner

Attendees were also treated to a gala dinner on the night of the 22nd, held at a local venue in Kiruna. The dinner was a chance for attendees to unwind and socialize after two days of intense discussions and networking.

The event featured delicious food and drink, music, and a keynote speech by a special guest speakers.

During the dinner, attendees had the opportunity to discuss the highlights of the conference and make new connections with colleagues and industry leaders. It was a memorable evening that brought together people from across the space industry in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

Aurora & ESA Representatives at the Gala dinner

Conclusions

Overall, the combination of informative sessions, fun activities, and social events made the SSC Customer Conference 2023 a truly memorable and valuable experience for all attendees.

The conference demonstrated the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward, and provided a platform for industry experts and customers to share ideas and insights for the future of space exploration and research.

See you at the next Event!

The SSC Customer Conference 2023 was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our customers and for the entire SSC group to showcase its latest innovations. We are grateful to our customers for their continued support, and we look forward to continuing to work together to advance the field of space technology.

Davide Starnone, Managing Director - Aurora Technology, SSC Group

In closing the conference, Gardefjord expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their participation and contributions, and reiterated SSC's commitment to driving innovation and collaboration in the industry.

The SSC Customer Conference 2023 was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration for the future of the space industry.