The Confederation has supported national activities in the space field by Swiss players at universities and public research institutions since 2008. The aim of these activities is to strengthen Switzerland's position in space research, optimise the country's participation in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes and improve the scientific, technological and financial return flow from ESA to Switzerland.

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation supports these national activities. The aim is both to position Swiss players in international competition long term by contributing to research and innovation projects, and to ensure that data obtained from space missions is made available to users in Switzerland.

The new ordinance provides a clearer legal basis on which the established successful practice can be pursued.

Clear basis established for national space activities