Serbian Office for Space sciences, Research and Development (SERBSPACE) was established in August 2016 as a non-governmental organization based in Belgrade with the general aim of developing the space sector in Serbia. Its work is based on three main pillars of the wider space ecosystem: academia, industry and society. The Office is developed as an umbrella organization that would include all relevant individuals, organizations, academic institutions, business entities and county representatives from the field of space sector in Serbia.
The scope of work of the Office covers several areas, both nationally and internationally. On the national level, the Office conducts a permanent capacity building project in the field of space science, technology and research, which includes the involvement of the above mentioned persons in the projects of the Office and the creation of a network of experts in this field, all with the aim of developing space activities in Serbia and strengthening the position of Serbia internationally.
Regarding the international aspect, with the help of the United Nations and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Office was officially presented at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico in September 2016, and was supported by the international space community. In that sense, SERBSPACE presented the Serbian Space Agency project to the United Nations and Serbian government, and since then has been implementing various activities aimed at involving Serbia on the international scene. The office is a permanent representative of Serbia in all important international events, and among the most important are the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia, which took place in September 2017, as well as in Bremen, Germany is 2018, at which the scientific work of our members was presented, and the talks on the accession of Serbia to various international organizations continued.
In October of 2017, SERBSPACE was invited to participate in a UN conference in Russia aimed at implementing and coordinating international programs related to space science, with the goal of sustainable development of countries. At that time, SERBSPACE presented its model for the development of the space sector in Serbia before the international auditorium, but emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and international cooperation.
It is especially important to point out that at the end of February 2018, SERBSPACE presented a project relating to the application of satellite technologies in the field of protection against natural disasters at a UN conference in Pakistan. This project was developed in cooperation with the Water Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and represents one of the steps towards improving the overall application of space technologies in Serbia, in this case in order to improve the use of watercourses, but also to prevent accidents and natural disasters. In this regard, the UN has offered cooperation on this issue, which is reflected in the possibility of obtaining free satellite imagery in order to better manage and solve natural disasters, as well as to participate in numerous international programs of this type.
In March 2018, for the first time, Yuri’s Night, a global event marking the anniversary of sending the first man to space, Yuri Gagarin, was organized for the first time on April 12th. A networking event was organized in Belgrade aimed at improving domestic capacities in the field of space, which was supported by the Russian House – Russian Center of Science and Culture in Belgrade.
In May 2018, following several UN Conferences and in accordance with respective recommendations, SERBSPACE has initiated creation of a Space Working group within Serbian government and submitted a report to Serbian government detailing further steps towards utilization of Space applications and technologies, including steps towards joining UNCOPUOS and cooperation with European Space Agency, as one of the tasks of the Group.
In October 2018, our Office was represented by at the 26th UN/IAF Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits: “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure for Development” which took place in Bremen, Germany in conjunction with 69th International Astronautical Congress. The Workshop discussed space science, technologies and applications in support of economic, social and environmental development with a focus on the role of industries as key player to offer innovation and infrastructure needed for sustainable development.
Mr. Mijovic presented a report relating to projects and activities taken by our Office throughout the years, which are the integral part of Serbian Space Agency project, presented to the Serbian government. Mentioned paper covered possible industrial cooperation, investment opportunities and the benefits of start-ups in Serbia which could enable more jobs and further education.
In addition to this, paper presented development of space sector in Serbia and the role of SERBSPACE in creation of national space framework and international cooperation, being a facilitator between Serbian government and various opportunities.
Further on, presentation provided SERBSPACE’s projects and activities and its positive impact on academic, scientific and societal segments in Serbia, its role among international space community, as well as ongoing projects such as Serbian Space Agency and Emerging Countries Space Office projects.
During the conference, Mr. Mijovic had a series of B2B meetings with several aerospace companies, which expressed their interest in investments and future cooperation.
For the second time in a row, on April 12, 2019, the Office organized Yuri’s Night, this year at the Nikola Tesla Museum.
Following the invitation of the United Nations and the Chinese Space Agency, Milan Mijovic participated at the United Nations/China Forum on Space Solutions held in Changsha, China, from April 24 to 27, 2019. The aim of the conference was to develop space technologies and cooperation, with the aim of achieving the sustainable development goals as defined by the United Nations Agenda 2030. Milan presented the SEE Universe Conference project as the first of its kind in this part of Europe. The conference has received strong support from the international community and the United Nations. During the conference, Milan had a series of meetings with representatives of the academic community and Chinese industry sector, who expressed a great desire for further cooperation.
Supported by Raumfahrt Concret and GoTaikonauts!, SEE Universe 2020 was presented at 53rd Paris Air Show in June 2019, reaching European and World Aerospace community. The advertisement for the Conference was displayed on numerous booths of European space industry and space institutions.
During the celebration of 50th anniversary of IFR in Bremen in September 2019, Milan visited Airbus and OHB in Bremen, presenting SEE Universe 2020 Space conference and work and activities of SERBSPACE.
In October 2019, SERBSPACE participated at the Near Space Conference 2019 Above and Beyond in Torun, Poland as one of the Partners. The main goal was to show the broad range of recipients that the space exploration generally and near space exploration particularly is accessible virtually for everyone and it has a growing impact on our daily life. Other Partners from several European countries were invited to SEE Universe 2020 Space conference, as it was presented during the event.
Serbian Office for Space Sciences, Research and Development (abbreviated name: SERBSPACE) is an organization registered within Serbian Business Registers Agency.
Our goals are development of Space sciences, improvement of research and development relating to Space, cooperation with national and international universities, associations, space agencies and companies, organization of events, congresses, workshops and other space related activities and events.
For the purpose of achieving its goals the Association particularly:
ORGANIZES
scientific and professional meetings, congresses and other academic, industrial or governmental events related to space sciences, solely or jointly with other organizations national or international organizations and associations.
PARTICIPATES
in national or international conferences and workshops of the main interest for the aim of organization and its contribution in space science and development area.
GATHERS
members of academia, industry and government in field of space sciences and development, especially in Serbia or the Balkans with the aim to establish cooperation for the future projects and activities of Organization.
COOPERATES WITH COMPETENT AUTHORITIES
on projects of national interest, such as Serbian space agency project and representation before international stakeholders.