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Kim, Rasmus, and Josef
Scientists and guests
Andreas,
It was amazing to see you take off from Florida. And it is just as amazing to have you safely back on Earth.
It has been an unbelievable privilege being on the side-line as the Huginn Mission has embarked on the incredible journey from Earth to space and back again.
And that is even though space is not a subject that has come natural to me.
For a long time, I mostly associated space science and innovation with a boyish fascination with aliens and big machines. Fuelled by science fiction and cold war rivalry in equal measure.
But it has become very clear to me that space is about so much more.
It’s about curiosity. The need to explore. The drive to develop. The urge to understand – not just world but the universe we’re a part of.
Science is hope
Ultimately space science is about hope.
We are living through hard times. Wars, conflicts, climate change. When you read the headlines, it’s easy to get the feeling that we are moving in the wrong direction.
But then you see the images from the International Space Station. Our beautiful, tiny, green and blue planet floating through the dark, vast universe.
And it becomes clear that there are countless possibilities out there. So many things yet to understand and discover. And so many dedicated scientists willing to go above and beyond to solve the challenges in front of us.
Space – perhaps more than any other scientific area – represents hope. Because it is as limitless as its possibilities.
The knowledge we gain from space not only enriches our understanding of the universe. It brings us closer to solving some of the most pressing issues facing humanity.
Space is an unmatched driver of progress and development of new technologies. As well as being endlessly fascinating, space is serious business.
Space-based research, innovation, infrastructure and exploration bring connectivity to all parts of the globe. It’s helping us communicate.
Satellites are keeping track of our air space, our fields, our ships, our coasts – our entire planet.
Space is green technology, it’s public health, it’s national security, it’s food safety, it’s city planning.
Space has an impact on almost every facet of modern human life. And every year, new discoveries and technologies emerge.
A path for the next generation
And I believe Denmark has an important role to play in the space sector.
Denmark has the knowledge, the innovation infrastructure, even the astronaut talent it takes to be a key player in space science and technology.
What we need is a clear direction and more young people to choose the path of science and technology.
Andreas is already doing an absolutely incredible job as a role model inspiring young people everywhere to pursue science.
And I am also going to do my very best to help pave a path for the next generation of aspiring space scientists and astronauts.
We are making Denmark’s first long-term space strategy for science and innovation. Because we cannot afford to not invest in space.
Thank you, Josef and ESA, for giving Andreas this opportunity – and for his safe return.
And thank you, Andreas. For your hard work and dedication. On behalf of myself and the Danish government I’d like to say how proud we are of you.
The Huginn mission was another big step in an impressive career. The culmination of decades of hard work and an unwavering commitment to your craft and your cause.
I will do my very best to make sure that your efforts will also facilitate change in Denmark’s approach to space research and innovation.
So that hopefully in the future, they’ll look back and think, that was one big step for Andreas. And a giant leap for Denmark.
Thank you.