Minister Fajon with Sunita Williams: Slovenia strengthens its presence in space, science and innovation

Following her meeting with former NASA astronaut Sunita Lyn Williams, Minister Fajon delivered the opening speech at an event held at the Center Noordung to promote space technologies and share experiences from the International Space Station. Thanks to her missions to the International Space Station, during which she spent more than 300 days in space, Sunita Williams, the first female astronaut of Slovenian descent, has become one of the most prominent figures in global space exploration. Her story, which includes her final mission that was unexpectedly extended to 286 days due to a malfunctioning spacecraft, serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and perseverance required for space exploration.

In her speech, Minister Fajon emphasised the positive impact that Sunita Williams has had on young people, as well as the increasing involvement of women in science and technology. “Sunita Williams is proof that excellence knows no bounds, whether they are based on gender, culture or nationality. Her journey is an inspiration to new generations, encouraging them to dare to achieve more,” she said.

“I am pleased to see Slovenia increasingly establishing itself as a key player in the space industry and in science and innovation. Slovenian expertise, technologies and development solutions are being successfully integrated into international projects that require reliability, precision and a high level of professionalism. Our researchers, engineers and companies are showing that even a small country can help achieve major goals,” added the Minister. In particular, she highlighted the SPACE-SI Centre of Excellence, which develops advanced satellite and digital solutions to improve water resource management, environmental protection and climate adaptation in Kenya. In Rwanda, the Slovenian company Geocodis is using satellite data to help improve the management of systems such as the water supply.

“Slovenia is committed to bridging the gap between science and the economy, investing in knowledge and strengthening international partnerships. With Slovenia's full membership of the European Space Agency and its signing of the Artemis Accords with NASA, the United States, new opportunities are emerging. Meanwhile, the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in collaboration with the Slovenian Space Office, is strengthening its ties with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Slovenia also actively contributes to the work of the EU Agency for the Space Programme.

“I am very happy to be back in Slovenia. Whenever I visit the land of my maternal ancestors, I feel a deep connection to this wonderful country, just as I did when I saw it from space. I am delighted that the United States and Slovenia are such strong partners in the fields of space, science, technology and innovation,” emphasised Sunita Williams during her visit.

The meeting and discussion with Williams took place at the Center Noordung, named after the pioneer of space technology, Herman Potočnik Noordung. This centre symbolically connects Slovenia's space heritage to the future. Slovenia is involved in a number of international space projects, with its companies and researchers developing technologies that are used around the world.

Sunita Williams’ visit also sends the message that Slovenia is confidently moving towards a future in which knowledge, innovation and international cooperation aspire to reach for the stars.