State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation
Bern, 14.04.2023 – On April 14, 2023, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) space probe Juice was successfully launched from the Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, for a long journey to Jupiter . Present at this event, State Secretary Martina Hirayama underlined on site the importance of European cooperation in the field of space, with significant and regular contributions from players from Swiss universities and industry. On the sidelines of the launch of Juice, Secretary of State Hirayama conducted informal talks with ESA representatives as well as with the delegations present.
The space mission Juice (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) from ESA aims to elucidate fundamental questions regarding the origin of Jupiter and its moons and to carry out an in-depth study of their surroundings. The development of this mission is part of ESA’s scientific program. The ambition of this program is to position the actors of the Member States of the organization at the world forefront of space sciences.
Juice carries a payload of ten scientific instruments. The University of Bern made essential contributions to three of them. Contributions financed through the ESA’s PRODEX program (PROgram for the Development of Scientific Experiments). Additionally, the Paul Scherrer Institute contributed a radiation monitor for this mission. This was funded by the ESA science program. Alongside the instruments, many parts of the satellite and launcher were developed by Swiss companies.
The visit to the European Space Center in Kourou allowed State Secretary Martina Hirayama to highlight Switzerland’s contributions to the space probe Juice, Europe’s independent access to space and to the European Ariane and Vega launcher programmes. On the occasion of the launch, State Secretary Hirayama was also able to talk with the various delegations from the other ESA Member States and with the ESA representatives on the future ambitions of European space activities.
ESA is an independent intergovernmental organization of which Switzerland is a founding member. The rotating presidency of the ESA Council at ministerial level is currently held by Germany. At the last meeting of the ESA Council at ministerial level, in November 2022, Member States confirmed ESA’s ambitions to increase Europe’s autonomy in space, to intensify use of space by Europe and to reinforce the key role of ESA and its programmes.
Switzerland contributes some CHF 200 million to the ESA budget each year. This investment allows Swiss universities and companies to participate at different levels in ESA space missions. Thanks to the PRODEX programme, national contributions for scientific missions can be developed and implemented by project teams from research and industry. The scientific excellence and technical innovations achieved in the space sector at the national level, as well as the close collaboration between research institutes and industry, are important factors for economic growth. Through its membership of ESA and its participation in the corresponding EU programmes, Switzerland makes an essential contribution to European space activities and has internationally recognized know-how in this sector.
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