Show notes
The Space Show presents Manuel Cuba of Helix Space Luxembourg, Friday, 12-12-25.Quick SummaryOur program focused on Helix Space’s operations in Luxembourg and their role in the European space sector, including discussions about funding, defense services, and commercial space activities. Manuel explained how Helix Space helps European companies access funding and develop innovation programs, while also addressing European space initiatives and launch capabilities. The conversation concluded with discussions about space medicine research, European space capabilities and challenges, and potential collaboration opportunities between American and European space companies.Detail SummaryOur guest shared that Helix Space, based in Luxembourg, has been operating for five years, noting that the COVID period was relatively mild in Luxembourg compared to other regions. John Jossie inquired about the impact of the UK’s cancellation of its space department on European space activities, to which Manuel responded that it caused some media attention but had minimal practical impact, as the UK continues to contribute to the European Space Agency. This program began with an introduction to Helix Space and its ecosystem, focusing on the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and its role in accessing European Space Agency funding. Manuel explained the differences between the European Space Agency and the European Union Space Agency, highlighting their distinct responsibilities and occasional conflicts. The discussion also touched on European space initiatives like Iris Squared and the competition among European nation-states in the space sector.Manuel discussed his role as Managing Director of Helix Space in Luxembourg, explaining the company’s focus on space technology and satellite manufacturing. David announced upcoming programs featuring Isaac Arthur, Michael Listner and Dr. Mike Griffin, and reminded listeners of the ongoing annual campaign. The show also highlighted the importance of listener support and various payment options, including PayPal, Zelle, and Substack.Manuel explained that Helix Space, which he co-founded over five years ago, initially focused on developing microgravity research products for both humans and animals, but later shifted its focus to 90% defense-related services and 10% civil space services. He detailed how the company helps European companies obtain public and private funding, develop innovation programs, and improve cybersecurity standards. David inquired about the commercial space boom, to which Manuel shared that both Luxembourg’s Space Agency and the European Space Agency prioritize funding projects with strong commercial viability, requiring detailed business plans and evidence of market potential before supporting research and development.Manuel discussed the Feed for Start program, a national accelerator in Luxembourg that supports space companies worldwide, with successful graduates eligible for government funding to establish operations in Luxembourg. He highlighted a French company that enables rocket launch bookings, noting its improved website and growing customer base. John Jossy inquired about the market sectors for satellite customers, and Manuel outlined the main categories: traditional SATCOM, Earth observation, space services, and space resources, with Europe focusing on defensive measures rather than weaponization in space. David asked about Europe’s stance on space weaponization, to which Manuel confirmed that Europe prioritizes defensive capabilities and cybersecurity measures, such as zero-trust architectures and potential robotic arms for satellite protection.Manuel discussed the significant impact of the Russian Ukrainian war on Europe’s space sector, highlighting increased investments and the rapid sale of SAR satellites by Finnish company Ice Eye. He mentioned European companies like Redwire and Tumi Robotics developing autonomous systems for microgravity research and lunar exploration. Manuel also explained Helix Space’s involvement with the European Space Resources Innovation Center’s Startup Support Program, which helps startups develop terrestrial applications of lunar technology, and addressed the criticism and potential impact of the Artemis program on the European space industry.Next, the discussion focused on European space launch capabilities and trends. Manuel explained that while Ariane Space remains a significant provider with 11-12 launches annually, Europe is developing multiple new rocket companies including Rocket Factory Augsburg, ISAR Aerospace, and PLD Space to reduce dependency on foreign launch providers. Marshall inquired about European preferences for launch providers and payment methods, to which Manuel responded that public procurement follows open tenders while private actors choose based on availability and cost. David raised questions about European spaceports and private space stations, with Manuel noting that while there’s activity around autonomous vehicles and payload capabilities, European companies like Airbus are partnering with American companies like Voyager Holdings for space station development.Manuel discussed Helix Base’s for-profit business model, highlighting their success in helping companies raise funds and their work with European Space Resources Innovation Center. He mentioned several companies they work with, including Tumi Robotics, Space Backend, and Polymux Space, which are developing innovative technologies for space exploration and resource utilization. John Jossy inquired about Luxembourg’s space resources law and asteroid mining, to which Manuel provided insights into the companies involved in these activities and their progress.Manuel explained that Helix Space focuses on preventive medicine rather than pharmaceutical development, drawing inspiration from his father’s experience with alternative treatment in Peru and historical medical practices. He noted that healthcare costs are skyrocketing globally, with a significant portion of budgets dedicated to healthcare, and emphasized the need for preventive measures. Manuel and his wife, a systems biology expert, are exploring unconventional medical approaches based on historical anecdotes and scientific research, though he acknowledged that some of their findings should be taken with a grain of salt.Manuel discussed his company’s efforts to develop preventive medicine treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis through space-based experiments. After assessing microgravity service providers in Europe, they found limited interest and decided to pause their efforts until there is more commercial demand. Manuel expressed frustration with the current space research ecosystem, particularly regarding the International Space Station’s capabilities and the lengthy development processes, and emphasized the need for streamlined, autonomous operations in the future.Our guest explained that while space medicine research exists, there are no concrete medical products developed in space that have made it to market on Earth. He described the European Space Agency’s requirement for business plans, which led to the adoption of the Business Model Canvas as a structured framework for proposal submissions. Manuel detailed how the Value Proposition Canvas tool helps identify and balance the diverse needs of different stakeholders in a business context, particularly relevant for space projects where system engineering processes are crucial.Manuel explained the opportunities for American startups to access the European market through Helix Pace, a chartered member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg. He highlighted the country’s openness to American companies setting up subsidiaries or headquarters, as well as access to funding and expertise. He also discussed the European Space Agency’s interest in lunar exploration and the selection process for astronauts, emphasizing the need for diplomatic negotiations and collaboration with NASA.Toward the end, our Managing Director guest discussed Europe’s space capabilities and challenges, noting that while Europe lacks expertise and infrastructure to compete with China’s moon program, it is focused on defense and rearmament. He mentioned that the European Space Agency is concerned about space debris and space weather and is developing programs to track debris and study its impact on infrastructure. Manuel also shared that RSS Hydro, a Luxembourg-based commercial space company specializing in flood and wildfire risk management, has been doubling revenue for the past three years and is expanding in the US. David invited Manuel to join the show’s advisory board and suggested potential US events for Manuel to attend, including the Space Symposium and ISDC in Washington, D.C.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: [email protected] for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. 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