Nextage’s First Mission to Space Tech Expo Europe

By: Brooke Owen
November 25, 2025

Members of the Nextage team in the Space Tech Expo Europe booth. Photo Credit: Krystian Bandzimiera

Nextage attended Space Tech Expo Europe for the first time this year, and it proved to be an important step in expanding our presence within the European space industry. The event provided a strong mix of technical insight, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with future collaborators. Here are the highlights from our debut.

Building New Connections and Reconnecting With Familiar Faces

Walking into the buzzing Expo hall, it immediately became clear why Space Tech Expo Europe is such a beloved event. In the heart of historic Bremen, Germany, we were surrounded by cutting-edge technology, ambitious ideas, and a community genuinely excited about shaping the future of space.

Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to reconnect with our friends and collaborators from the Netherlands, Axient Systems B.V., Aerospace Delta, InnovationQuarter, NLR - Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, cosine, TNO, and Delft University of Technology. Engaging with these organizations always brings great ideas and excitement for the future; read more about our last trip to the Netherlands here: https://nextage-llc.com/news/expanding-aerospace-innovation-across-nations/.

*Nextage and ATMOS cheers to a great day at Space Tech Expo Europe. Photo Credit: Stephanie Bushong*

It was a genuine pleasure to meet some of the emerging companies driving new technological advancements in the European markets. Learning about the unique approaches to answer industry needs by companies like ATMOS Space Cargo, Demcon, Tiny Telescope, ISSISPACE, and GTM Advanced Structures gave our team new perspectives and insights about space technology and international collaboration.

Another highlight was engaging with potential clients who are shaping the landscape of Europe’s space industry. Many attendees shared challenges related to engineering services, strict avionics computer requirements, and other areas where Nextage brings practical, proven solutions.

Workshops, Panels, and Presentations: A Broad View of What’s Next in European Space Tech

One of the most valuable aspects of Space Tech Expo Europe was the concentration of industry expertise under one roof. The conference program offered a deep dive into the industry’s most relevant topics.

Some of our favorite sessions included:

How Will AI Transform Space Over the Next Decade?

From Data to Drama: Storytelling that Moves SpaceTech Forward

Venture Capital Deal-Making

Accelerating Satellite Constellations: From Launch to Operations

These sessions provided a snapshot of where the industry is heading, and confirmed that the challenges we’re solving at Nextage will create an impact across the sector.

Mentoring TU Delft Students in the Golden Reel Challenge

*Nextage Vice President Bob Vernot with TU Delft student. Photo Credit: Brooke Owen*

A standout moment for our team was mentoring TU Delft Space Institute students in the Golden Reel Challenge led by Laura Gibson. In addition to engaging with the exhibitors at the Expo to expand their networks and understanding of the space industry, students were tasked with the challenge to design space mission proposals in multidisciplinary teams. Similar to the NASA Voyager mission’s Golden Record, each mission proposal needed to include a plan to share a glimpse into human culture.

The level of technical curiosity, and outside-of-the-box problem-solving the students demonstrated was impressive. Supporting the next generation of aerospace professionals is something we deeply value, and this challenge reinforced why it’s worth the investment

Space-Themed LEGO Set Raffle

*LEGO grand prize winner. Photo Credit: Glee Vernot*

What is something that everyone loves? Correct, it’s space-themed LEGO sets!

We were ecstatic to award 3 lucky winners some of our favorite LEGO offerings. It was a welcomed surprise to see how much joy these sets brought to their new owners.

Thank you to all who entered, you’re winners in our hearts.

Looking Ahead

Attending Space Tech Expo Europe for the first time gave us a clearer understanding of the industry’s needs and the momentum behind European space innovation. Whether discussing project needs, exchanging knowledge, or exploring joint development opportunities; attending the Expo reinforced the role Nextage can play in building scalable, efficient, and reliable aerospace solutions.

The Nextage team is returning with deeper insights, new connections, and a fresh perspective on the work being done around the world. We’re already excited for next year, and everything that will take flight between now and then.

Nextage team members at Space Tech Expo Europe. Photo Credit: Brooke Owen