First International Space Summit opens in Paris, bringing together leaders, scientists and astronauts
Space knows no borders, and the aspiration to reach for the stars has always united humanity. When leaders, researchers and engineers gather around one table to discuss the future of space, it is not just a diplomatic gesture — it is a step towards a shared future where knowledge and technology serve everyone. The first International Space Summit in Paris has become a symbol of this drive for cooperation and progress.
On Wednesday, the first International Space Summit opened in Paris, bringing together heads of state and government, scientists, astronauts and industry representatives. Initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron and organised jointly by France and Germany, the two-day summit is expected to attract about 2,000 participants.
Discussions focus on space science and exploration, including Mars exploration, ocean observation and space research; the global space economy, including access to space, communications, industrialisation and Europe's competitiveness; and space security and governance. However, ahead of the opening, the event was overshadowed by transatlantic tensions: major US space companies cancelled their participation.
French newspaper Le Monde reported that space giants Blue Origin and SpaceX, as well as Stoke Space and Starcloud, withdrew from the summit. Politico earlier reported that the White House had pressured US space companies to skip the summit, as their presence could look like tacit support for the European Union's political positions.
As reported by CCTV+, the opening of the summit has become a significant event for the global space community, demonstrating Europe's commitment to strengthening cooperation in space exploration. Despite certain difficulties, the organisers and participants are focused on a constructive dialogue about the future of the space industry.
