The Arctic Space Center in Sodankylä was filled with a festive atmosphere on Monday, September 18th 2023, as approximately 60 representatives from various stakeholders from Finland and abroad gathered to explore our satellite and space activities. The event was part of the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s 185th-anniversary celebrations.
A central theme of the stakeholder event was the role of satellite technology in the daily lives and security of the Finnish citizens. Additionally, it highlighted the opportunities it offers, such as the utilization of Finnish expertise on the international stage, including aspects related to climate change monitoring and the production of renewable energy sources.
The event was inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Communications, Lulu Ranne, who was visiting Tähtelä for the first time.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Petteri Taalas, the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Timo Pesonen, the Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, Juha-Pekka Keränen, the Commander of the Finnish Air Force, and Jukka Leskelä, the Managing Director of Finnish Energy.
During the event, we celebrated the introduction of two new satellite reception systems, complementing the 15-year development of the Sodankylä Satellite Ground Station. Now the Ground Station consists of four integrated state-of-the-art multi-mission Earth Observing satellite data reception systems in operation. This enables reception of data from numerous satellites for each reception system.
Furthermore, the event marked Finland’s official participation in the European Union’s Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) system—a significant step towards the establishment of the Finnish space situational awareness center.
Further information
Director Jouni Pulliainen, jouni.pulliainen@fmi.fi
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