20 years of GLAE, a Voice for Luxembourg’s Space Industry
On 7 October 2026, the Groupement Luxembourgeois de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (GLAE) celebrated its 20th anniversary, bringing together representatives from industry, government, institutions and the diplomatic community, the anniversary provided an opportunity to look back at two decades of development of Luxembourg’s space sector – and, above all, to look ahead.
Created in 2005 within FEDIL, GLAE was established at a defining moment for Luxembourg’s space ambitions. That same year, Luxembourg became the 17th Member State of the European Space Agency (ESA), marking an important step in the country’s commitment to developing a competitive space industry.
Twenty years later, the landscape has changed considerably. Luxembourg has developed a diverse space ecosystem, ranging from satellite communications and Earth observation to space systems, services and technologies. Today, GLAE brings together 15 companies active across this value chain and continues to provide them with a common platform to exchange, cooperate and make the voice of industry heard.
Twenty years told by the companies themselves
The anniversary evening opened with a welcome address by GLAE President Yves Elsen, who reflected on the association’s journey and on the importance of continuing to pursue shared ambitions for the sector.
Rather than simply recounting its history, GLAE chose to give the floor to the companies that have shaped it.
The anniversary video, Passing the Signal, tells the story of GLAE through the voices of its member companies. The format also illustrates what has been at the heart of GLAE for the past two decades: cooperation between companies that may operate in very different parts of the space value chain but share a common interest in strengthening Luxembourg’s industrial capabilities and international position.
Looking towards the next chapter
The anniversary was also an opportunity to discuss how profoundly the global space industry is changing.
During a fireside chat moderated by Lisa Burke, Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, shared his perspective on the transformation of the global space economy and the opportunities ahead. New satellite architectures, rapidly evolving technologies, growing connectivity needs, security and defence applications and increasing concerns around European technological sovereignty are reshaping the sector.
For Luxembourg, these developments create significant opportunities, but also underline the need to maintain strong industrial capabilities, invest in innovation and skills, and ensure close cooperation between companies and public authorities.
In his closing address, Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, highlighted Luxembourg’s continued commitment to the development of its space sector.
The discussions throughout the evening showed that the next phase of Luxembourg’s space story will increasingly be linked to broader strategic questions for Europe: connectivity, resilience, security, technological sovereignty and access to critical infrastructure.
A strong industrial voice for the future
For FEDIL, the anniversary also reflects the importance of bringing companies together around common industrial interests. Since its creation, GLAE has served as a platform for dialogue between the space industry, government and the wider ecosystem, while representing the interests of its members on issues affecting the sector’s development.
As Luxembourg’s space ecosystem continues to evolve, this role remains as relevant as ever.
Twenty years after its creation, GLAE therefore celebrates more than an anniversary. It celebrates a community of companies that has grown alongside Luxembourg’s space ambitions and that is now preparing for the next stage of the sector’s development.
The signal has been passed. The next chapter is ready to be written.