Tim Kopra: Pirkanmaa and Finland Poised to Capitalise on Satellite, Sensor and Quantum Expertise
Former NASA astronaut Tim Kopra told a Tampere University audience that Finland — and Pirkanmaa in particular — have strong potential in satellite, sensor and quantum technologies for the growing space economy.
Tim Kopra visited Tampere on Wednesday and told an audience at Tampere University that Finland has vast potential in the growing space economy, YLE reports.
Now working for Voyager Technologies, he singled out satellite technology, sensors and quantum research as particular strengths. "Satellite technology is impressive, but especially the sensors, which are the reason satellites exist," he told the university audience. He also said Finland’s quick, trust‑based decision‑making helps projects move fast. Voyager is building the Starlab commercial space station and publicised its VOYG‑1 private astronaut flight. NASA has signed an astronaut‑flight agreement with the company for a launch planned no earlier than 2028 from Florida.
Tampere researchers say local strengths back up Kopra’s view. Heini Kuusniemi, professor of wireless systems at Tampere University, described Pirkanmaa as a long‑standing centre for satellite positioning and praised regional expertise in communications, microelectronics and data analytics. The university created a multidisciplinary space group in early 2024 to link students, researchers and companies as the sector looks toward billion‑euro growth and tens of thousands of satellites in orbit. He has even discussed moving to Finland with his wife, and during the visit he planned to attend the sold‑out SM‑liiga hockey final; he described himself as a big Pekka Rinne fan.
Catch the full story over at YLE
