User:Aron Heiðar/sandbox

Space Iceland was founded in 2019 and is a private initiative operated by the sector itself. Space Iceland objective is to link stakeholders together to foster the creation of a National Space Plan. By mapping Iceland’s activities and potentials and attempting to build a grassroots of enthusiasts, industry, science and policymakers. Space Iceland aims to be the voice of Iceland’s space aspirations, push debate, further development, advance policies and service the industry.

Creation
From 2019, Space Iceland has operated under few categories them being the Space office, the Space cluster and the Space Lobby. The Space office is a service entity that helps connect people, advice and provides general assistance to members. This can include everything from helping out with permits to welcoming foreign investors. The aim here is to minimize the costs of Space bureaucracy and nurture development. The Space cluster is several projects where entities must cluster together and combine skills to bid on larger projects. The Cluster is modelled after local clusters like Iceland Ocean Cluster and The Icelandic Institute for Intelligent Machines to name some. The Space lobby is the political work where Space Iceland makes sure politicians and institutions are convinced of the benefits of investing and supporting a Space related industry. This is where Space Iceland pushes for Science funding, ESA application, etc. and tries to speak on behalf of stakeholders.

Goals
Since 2019, Space Iceland's strategic goals have been.


 * See through Iceland's ESA application.
 * Launch a satellite from Icelandic soil.
 * Strengthen Iceland's place in the space industry.
 * Share Space Iceland with the public, educators, and students to provide opportunities to participate.

ESA application
ESA has provided Iceland with a roadmap on PECS-talks. (Plan for European Cooperating States) The ESA Convention provides different types of cooperation on the road to membership. The next step for Iceland is to request talks formally. This means a decision has to be made on which ministry will handle the application. Space Iceland has had discussions with some ministries and continues to push action. This, however, is not Space Iceland's decision.

Funding for space sector entrepreneurs
Even without ESA membership, funding for Space-related activities and startups is available to Iceland. As ESA members, Iceland will have access to the business incubation program of the European Space Agency (ESA BIC). Until then Space Iceland will be proactive in nurturing business development and startups in Iceland. Space Iceland has reached out to partners on this in the hope to create an incubator, assistance in funding and networking.

CubeSat development
Since February 2020, Space Iceland has actively engaged with policymakers, agencies, industry and Space offices in Europe to gather knowledge and learn from those that are further along. “Start an Icelandic CubeSat Project” is consistent advice. In Iceland, the possibility of a CubeSat Project has been discussed. Space Iceland has taken this to heart and is now looking into how to make this happen.

Skyrora Launch
Skyrora's test shot was launched from Langanes in Iceland in august 2020. The Rocket Skylark Micro is almost four meters and consists of two stages. Preparations and installation lasted for several days at the launch site. The rocket reached an altitude of 26.86 km before returning to Earth with the help of a parachute. The shot is part of the Skyrora's risk management for the development of the Skyrora XL scheduled missile. There are hopes for a Skyrora XL launch in Iceland in 2023. With Skylark Micro, electronics and communication equipment was tested. The intention was that the same equipment will also be in the next stages, including in the larger carrier Skylark-L and Skyrora XL. Prior to the shooting, Skyrora's technical team performed a number of meteorological observations to analyze the speed and altitude of mid and mid-wind at the launch site. In addition, important data were collected during the preparation with the help of the launching range, including remote sensing, GPS and flight conditions. The test enabled Skyrora to practice rocket launching operations as well as the recovery of rocket parts falling into the sea. Despite the good work of the Icelandic association for search and rescue (ICE-SAR) and the Skyrora recovery team, it was not possible to locate both parts of the Skylark Micro rocket that fell into the sea at Langanes.

With a launch from Langanes, the efficiency and flexibility of Skyrora is demonstrated. In just a few days, technical equipment was brought to the site. Installation then took over under the direction of Skyrora's experts and it only took a few days. At the beginning of Skyrora's application process earlier this year, it was revealed that the licensing process for missile launch was not fully in place in Iceland. After Skyrora had a meeting in Iceland with the relevant institutions in January 2020, a consultation process began with the government where a licensing process was designed that Skyrora could use in search of permission to launch Skylark Micro. A successful rocket launch from Langanes was organized in close collaboration with Space Iceland. The office assisted Skyrora in the licensing process, communication with the authorities, the public and the space science and technology industry in Iceland. The office also assisted with the planning as well as ensuring that all permits were in place for the pilot shoot.

Leadership
Managing Director: Thor Fanndal

Managing Director: Alfa Björnsdottir