Women in Aerospace Europe at the Software Defined Space Conference 2026 | Tallinn, Estonia | 27–29 October 2026
The future of Europe’s space sector depends not only on technological innovation, but also on its ability to attract, develop and retain the people who will drive it forward. WIA-Europe is contributing to the Software Defined Space Conference (SDSC) 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia, highlighting the importance of talent development, leadership, skills and inclusion across the European space community.
As space systems increasingly rely on software-defined architectures, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, the sector must find new ways to develop skills, attract professionals from diverse backgrounds and build a sustainable workforce.
Panel Discussion: Talent Acquisition and Retention in the Space Domain
On 29 October 2026, from 12:45 to 13:30, WIA-Europe will contribute to a panel discussion entitled “Talent Acquisition and Retention in the Space Domain.”
Moderated by Erofili Tziveli, Head of Engagement and Outreach at WIA-Europe, the session will bring together experts from across the space community to explore practical approaches to attracting, developing and retaining talent. The panel will feature Dr. Christina Giannopapa, Karoli Kahn, Sirli Sarapuu, Shelli Brunswick and Daniela Jović. Following a keynote speech by Shelli Brunswick, the discussion will address the evolving skills needs of the space sector, workforce pipelines, cross-training and strategies for creating sustainable organisational environments.
Space needs engineering, software, cybersecurity and AI skills, but also law, policy, business and leadership. Developing these capabilities and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential to supporting the sector’s continued growth.
Meet and Greet with Space Sector Leaders
Alongside the conference programme, WIA-Europe will offer a series of meet-and-greet sessions, providing opportunities for participants to connect with professionals from across the space sector, exchange ideas and build new relationships.
These will be held at the WIA-Europe Booth.
Meet-and-Greet Schedule
Katriin Reedo | Early Stage Researcher | Tallinn University of Technology | 28 October 2026 | 14:30–15:00 EET
Rodrigo da Costa | Executive Director | EUSPA | 28 October 2026 | 15:00–15:30 EET
Daniela Jović | CEO | ORBITALYX | 28 October 2026 | 16:00–16:30 EET
Shelli Brunswick | Secretary General | WBAF Global Women Leaders Committee | 28 October 2026 | 17:30–18:00 EET
Gerda Kuum | Project Manager | Estonian Innovation and Business Agency (EIS) | 29 October 2026 | 11:00–11:30 EET
Dr. Christina Giannopapa | Secretary General / President | Eurisy / WIA-Europe | 29 October 2026 | 11:00–11:30 EET
These meetings are an opportunity to engage directly with space professionals, explore perspectives on the industry’s future and strengthen connections across the European space ecosystem.
Building a Stronger and More Inclusive Space Workforce
Attracting and retaining talent requires more than technical expertise. It calls for collaboration between industry and education, opportunities for professional development, supportive working environments and inclusive leadership.
Through its participation in SDSC 2026, WIA-Europe aims to highlight the contributions of women in the space sector, encourage dialogue on workforce challenges and support the development of a skilled, diverse and resilient European space community.
Join WIA-Europe in Tallinn from 27–29 October 2026 to exchange ideas, connect with space sector leaders and contribute to shaping the future of talent in space.
