History

In Finland, space activities began in the 1960s, the focus being on satellite telecommunications and satellite remote sensing.

Finland joined the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) in 1964. During the first years of space activities, the Finnish national committee of COSPAR had an important role as an advocate of Finnish space activities.

The first space project that was significant for Finland took place in the 1980s. It was the plasma analyzer Aspera, created for the Russian Phobos 1 probe in collaboration between Sweden, Russia, and Finland. The probe was launched in 1988.
In the 1980s, Finnish space science grew significantly, expanding in the fields of space science, satellite equipment manufacture, and satellite positioning. Finland became an associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1987. At the same time, cooperation with Russia increased.

Finland Joins ESA

In 1995, Finland finally became a full member of ESA. The membership enabled Finnish enterprises to participate in ESA's technological programs. After this, Finnish space activities were strongly centered around European cooperation. Finns have taken part in the design and manufacture of twenty European satellites during the last ten years.

Since the beginning of Finland's ESA membership, approximately 30 companies have become involved in Finnish space activities. The membership has also opened doors to international research projects for universities and research institutes.

Cooperation with other countries and organizations has expanded and strengthened during the 1990s. Finland has cooperated with partners such as NASA, Denmark, France, Russia, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

For more information about the history of space activities: Ilkka Seppinen, The History of Finnish Space Activities (Yliopistopaino, 2004 - Finnish/English).