Denmark plans to double ESA funding, explore the Moon

The Danish government has outlined a strategy to notably increase its contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA) over a ten-year period, aiming to boost annual funding from 280 million to 580 million kroner starting from 2035. The strategy, presented by Education and Research Minister Christina Egelund, Minister for Industry Morten Bødskov, and ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, includes nine initiatives, one of which is the Maní mission to map the Moon’s surface in preparation for future landings. The strategy aims to enhance Danish space research and innovation environments to have a greater international and EU impact. With the global space economy expected to grow significantly, Denmark foresees heightened competition and aims to double the number of Danish companies involved in the space sector within ten years, anticipating about 100 startups.