Croatia Builds Its Place in the New Space Age: Join A3

The Adriatic Aerospace Association (A3) brings together Croatian scientists, engineers, business leaders, educators and space enthusiasts to advance space technologies, international cooperation and the education of future generations. Now, the association is opening its doors to an even wider community of people eager to help shape Croatia's future in the space sector, A3 Secretary General Danko Kočiš told us.

From Homegrown Rockets to Space Mission Technologies

At the heart of A3's technical and research activities are several development initiatives focused on creating advanced, high-value technologies in Croatia.

These include the Perun Ip satellite development project, the Vihor sounding rocket programme, the development of the Space Tug orbital transfer vehicle, and research into advanced ELF thrusters designed to manoeuvre spacecraft in orbit.

At the same time, A3 is working to establish the infrastructure needed to develop, assemble and test some of these systems in Croatia. Plans include specialised laboratory facilities, a cleanroom and equipment for thermal-vacuum testing.

These efforts are laying the foundations for Croatia to develop its own capabilities in small satellites, propulsion systems, rocket technologies and space research.

A Consortium Connecting Science, Industry and Education

A3's development activities are supported by a consortium bringing together scientific and higher education institutions, technology companies and industrial partners.

Its members include the Ruđer Bošković Institute (IRB), SCAM Marine, Interval, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek (FERIT), Multinorm, ATIR, the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology (FKIT), Algebra Bernays University and Span.

This collaborative structure enables research, engineering, digital technologies, manufacturing, testing, education and commercial applications to come together through joint projects.

Croatian Expertise Connected to International Partners

Alongside its technological development, A3 is building an extensive international network, connecting Croatian experts, companies, educational institutions and research organisations with the global space sector.

The goal of these memberships and partnerships goes beyond raising the association's international profile. They are intended to create practical opportunities for Croatian stakeholders to participate in development projects, international consortia, knowledge exchange and new business ventures.

Globally, A3 is a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), one of the world's leading networks of space-sector organisations. This membership provides opportunities to connect Croatian stakeholders with space agencies, industry representatives, universities and research institutions, showcase domestic projects and establish new scientific, technological and business partnerships.

At the European level, A3 is a formal member of SME4Space and serves as the organisation's national contact point in Croatia. In this role, it connects Croatian small and medium-sized enterprises with European partners and project consortia, while helping them access funding calls and development programmes, particularly those associated with the European Space Agency (ESA).

A3 is also developing partnerships in the United States with the Lady Rocket Foundation and the Copernic Space platform. Through cooperation with Chinese partners, the association is a member of the international Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), where Croatian experts participate in activities related to the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.

In addition, A3 partners with the Asteroid Foundation to promote scientific knowledge about asteroids and planetary defence.

A Vision Bringing Science, Business and Education Together

Behind A3's current activities is the vision of its founder, the late Professor Slobodan Danko Bosanac, who saw the association as a bridge between science, business and education.

That vision is now being carried forward by an interdisciplinary community of scientists, university professors, engineers, entrepreneurs and other professionals working together to develop Croatia's aerospace ecosystem.

A3 Opens Its Doors to New Members

The association is now looking to expand its community and welcome more individuals and organisations willing to contribute to its work.

The invitation is not limited to established professionals. Students, teachers, young engineers, entrepreneurs, companies and members of the public interested in space technologies and their practical applications are all encouraged to get involved.

Croatia has the knowledge, talented people and international connections needed to become more active in the global space sector. The challenge is to bring these resources together, provide the necessary environment for innovation and turn ideas into projects that generate knowledge, technology and new economic value.

Anyone wishing to contribute their expertise, experience, ideas or enthusiasm to this effort is invited to join the Adriatic Aerospace Association (A3).

More information about membership and opportunities to get involved is available on the association's official website: https://a3space.org