CNES Conference: “Digital & Space”, Paris, Oct. 17, 2016

TBS Aerospace MBA representative took part to the first CNES conference on Space & Digital,  held its headquarters in Paris on Monday 17th of October, 2016.  This conference, chaired by Thierry Mandon, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research, has been attended by some 100 representatives from the space and digital technology industries. As CNES stated: “Space and digital are two transformative technologies that have always been closely tied. Today, the spectacular and simultaneous growth in data production, processing and distribution capacity, new digital applications, and services delivered by space infrastructures are leading us to rethink how these two spheres mesh with one another”. This conference follows the recommendation formulated in June at the 5th meeting of the CoSpace government-industry space coordination committee to bring stakeholders from the space and digital industries together to share their perspectives on the key challenges that lie ahead for the space industry. Two roundtable discussions enabled to discuss about society & business needs and opportunities regarding  space applications: current space applications are business enablers! Data scientists, data analytics required in insurance business. Many startups are already existing to provide support based on space data. There is a growing use of space data in agriculture industry  according to Limagrain. Open access to space data remains crucial.

The second roundtable addressed interconnections between digital industry & space infrastructure (ex: between satellites and data distribution platforms). Among the participants were representatives from Airbus Defence and Space, ATOS, AXA, Bourbon, Cap Gemini, CESBIO, CLS, Dassault Systemes, Eutelsat, I-SEA, LIMAGRAIN, Orange, OVH, SNCF, Thales Alenia Space and QWANT. Out of the various pieces of advice: “Being customer-oriented, listening to potential users and only then check out what space expertise might bring”. Sources & data combined and refined give birth to services, value, price, new offering! Three current challenges: video, internet and autonomous transportation/mobility. Here are big business opportunities!

   

Ms Geneviève Fioraso presented the key features and some of the recommendations (out of 81) of the “Open Space” report delivered recently to the French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. She recalls France#1 in Europe and #2 worldwide in terms of investment in space activities in proportion of its population. Data is the new oil (Clive Humby). AerospaceValley plays a crucial role to boost space innovation.

Mr. Jean-Yves Le Gall, highlighted in his opening address the PEPS initiative from CNES in the booming space sector, which is fast changing and now is open to new communities.