SME4SPACE is the representative Association of Space SMEs in Europe both from the ESA Member States and ESA cooperating States as well as from the European Union Member States. SME4SPACE was founded in 2007 and officially launched on 19 June 2007 at the International Paris Air Show, Le Bourget. On that day ESA General Director J. J. Dordain signed a Memorandum of Agreement formalising cooperation between ESA and SME4SPACE. The aim of SME4SPACE is to voice Space SMEs’ viewpoint in a coordinated way and to facilitate the access of SMEs to space activities in general and to ESA and EU programmes in particular. More in detail the organisation pursues the following not for profit purposes: - defining and defending common positions, representing the SMEs towards public authorities i.e. the European Space Agency, the European Union and its related agencies; - organising seminars and information sessions; - organising a network of SMEs in order to increase the possibilities to cooperate; - carrying out research projects, participating at National, European and International calls in space and related activities. The founders of SME4SPACE are AIPAS (Italian Space Enterprises Association) and the former ASTOS (Association of Specialist Technical Organisations for Space), now UK Space Association - SME Members. On June 29th, 2011 SME4SPACE has been incorporated as a not for profit organisation under the Belgian Law in Leuven, VAT N. BE0837709024.
