USUST Aerospace Institute joins discussion on establishing an ESA Technology Centre in Wrocław
On March 26, 2026, an international online meeting and panel discussion ‘Lower Silesia and Wrocław – headquarters of the European Space Agency Technology Centre – seed capital’ took place, focusing on the initiative to establish a technology centre in Wrocław under the auspices of the European Space Agency (ESA), with the participation of the Aerospace Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies and enterprises from Ukraine’s space industry.
The event brought together representatives of the authorities of Wrocław, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, research institutions, and space industry enterprises from both Ukraine and Poland. The participation of the Ukrainian partners was organized with the support of the Lower Silesian–Dnipropetrovsk Economic Centre in Dnipro and the Dnipropetrovsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mykola Lukashuk, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council; Iryna Sukha, Director of the Aerospace Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies; representatives of space industry enterprises from the Dnipropetrovsk region, including PA Yuzhmash; and other industrial partners represented the Ukrainian side at the meeting.
In his speech, Mykola Lukashuk emphasized the significant scientific, engineering, and technological potential of the cities of Dnipro and Wrocław in the field of space research and technology, and highlighted the importance of developing international cooperation among research centres, universities, and enterprises in both regions.
‘Dnipro has historically been the centre of Ukraine’s space engineering, and we are convinced that partnership with Wrocław opens up new opportunities for integrating our scientific and technological capabilities into the European space ecosystem’,
The head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council also noted strong prospects of the initiative to establish a technology centre in Wrocław under the auspices of the European Space Agency (ESA), with the participation of the Aerospace Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies and enterprises from the space industry of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The participants were welcomed by Jakub Mazur, Vice President of the City of Wrocław, and Rafał Wojtowicz, Director of the Department for International Cooperation of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. They expressed confidence that deeper partnership between Wrocław and Dnipro in the field of aerospace research and technology would create favorable conditions for the effective operation of the future technology centre and for the development of a new space innovation environment in Central Europe.
During the meeting, Iryna Sukha, Director of the USUST Aerospace Institute, presented the scientific, educational, and engineering potential of the Aerospace Institute and the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, highlighting their role in the development of modern space technologies, training of engineering specialists, and expansion of international scientific and technological cooperation.The Aerospace Institute and the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies have considerable scientific and technological potential in the fields of space technologies, chemical engineering, metallurgy, materials science, construction, and transport infrastructure development. Representatives of the delegation from the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of the Republic of Poland had an opportunity to see everything in person during their recent visit to USUST
During the discussion, the representatives of space industry enterprises from the Dnipropetrovsk region, including Yuzhmash, highlighted the potential for developing international technological cooperation and expressed support for the initiative to establish a space technology centre in Wrocław with the participation of the Aerospace Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies.
Special attention during the meeting was also given to the presentation of the concept of the the Polish-Ukrainian Wroclaw – Dnipro Aerospace Innovation Platform, which envisions the integration of education, science, and industry into a unified ecosystem for the development of civilian space technologies.
The key areas for further development of the initiative include:
- creation of a shared educational space, including the development of Master’s and Doctoral programmes, academic mobility, and the training of engineers and researchers for the space sector;
- implementation of joint scientific and technological projects in the fields of rocket and space systems, advanced materials, digital engineering, and other related high-tech areas;
- development of civilian space applications, including research, prototyping, engineering validation of solutions, further implementation of technological developments, and their integration into the industrial sector;
- expansion of joint participation in European research and innovation programmes, particularly ESA and Horizon Europe, through the establishment of international consortia involving the Aerospace Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, space industry enterprises of the Dnipropetrovsk region, as well as research, educational, and industrial institutions of Wrocław and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
Following the discussion, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing the initiative and agreed to continue consultations on establishing joint research centres, engineering laboratories, and implementing international projects in the field of space technologies.
The USUST Aerospace Institute continues expanding its international cooperation, strengthening the university’s presence in the European research and innovation environment.