Today’s news / Minister eyes global solutions in space
Andreas Mogensen says that Denmark should not increase its contribution to ESA, because he wants to travel to the Moon, it is stated at the press conference. Photo: Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix

Minister eyes global solutions in space

Danish Minister Christina Egelund highlights Denmark’s increased commitment to the European Space Agency, supporting its global challenges approach. Currently, Denmark contributes less than 1% to ESA’s budget, but plans to scale this up substantially. Denmark pledged about 734 million kroner for 2023-2025, with subsequent increases in its contribution, including an additional 125 million allocated in January. While astronaut Andreas Mogensen is open to a future Moon mission, this is not the reason for Denmark’s increased investment in space; it’s about leveraging space data to enhance society. ESA’s Director-General, Josef Aschbacher, sees Denmark as a key contributor with potential for more. Decisions on Mogensen’s potential lunar travel hang on the outcomes of the initial Artemis missions and may be a decade away, according to astro-physicist Michael Linden-Vørnle.