PRESS RELEASE : “New Space: The industrialisation of space offers SMEs new opportunities and a potentially faster return”
On the occasion of the Space Tech Expo in Bremen — the largest European fair dedicated to space technologies — Wallonia Export supported around ten companies presenting their latest technologies. Among the exhibitors, the company DELTATEC, internationally recognised for its advanced imaging solutions, presented its latest innovations aimed at institutional as well as commercial space missions.
We met with Éric Callut, Project Manager, for a discussion about the company’s international trajectory and the industrial challenges of “New Space” for SMEs.
A Walloon SME turned high-performance imaging reference
AWEX: First, could you tell us who DELTATEC is?
Éric Callut (EC): Hello. DELTATEC is an engineering company founded in the 1980s. For more than 35 years, we have developed electronic systems and innovative imaging solutions for various sectors such as medical, railway, augmented reality and — of course — aerospace. Our activities cover the entire imaging chain: cameras, processing, transmission, embedded systems, video boards… We work in technologies across sectors where image quality is critical.
AWEX: Do you work a lot with international partners?
EC: Of course. That’s even indispensable. More than 80% of our turnover comes from abroad! We work — not necessarily always in aeronautics — with the United States and the Middle East. In the space domain, we work both on scientific projects for the European Space Agency (ESA) and on more industrial applications alongside almost all major players.
AWEX: What kind of expertise do you offer to interest such big actors?
EC: In imaging, we cover the entire optical spectrum — from ultraviolet (for solar observation, for instance) to thermal infrared, including hyperspectral imaging. We can adapt to all imaging situations. Moreover, we develop embedded systems capable of storing data directly on board satellites — a technology that is critical when space-to-ground communications are not continuous. This type of product — cameras and onboard data-processing systems — is exactly what you can see here at our booth.
AWEX: Precisely, why attend the Space Tech Expo?
EC: Such a trade show is a key moment for a company like ours. In the space industry, development cycles can last more than five years. That’s why it’s important to regularly show our progress, our finished products or those nearing completion, and to demonstrate that our roadmap anticipates sector evolutions. The expo also allows us to meet existing clients, introduce ourselves to new international prospects, and strengthen ties with Belgian companies present. Finally, our team takes advantage of the event to meet suppliers and discover new components and technologies — essential to remain competitive.
Eric Callut, Project Manager at DELTATEC“Customers look first and foremost at the technology readiness levels, the TRLs. You need to show what you have already accomplished, what has already been tested, and what has already flown.” |
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NewSpace, industrialization: paradigm shift and necessary adaptation of Walloon ecosystems
AWEX: Space has changed a lot in recent years and continues to evolve. What is your corporate view of the sector?
EC: We see a major evolution: access to space is industrialising. Still partially public, but increasingly private. For a long time, space was the realm of agencies and (inter)national institutional missions. Today, private actors launch satellite constellations for commercial purposes. For us, this changes everything! Previously, demand was rather cyclical — depending on academic or institutional projects. Now, demand is becoming constant. Development needs are recurring, products are standardizing, cycles are accelerating — and ultimately, the return on investment is potentially faster.
AWEX: Is this shift good for business?
EC: For us — yes. We started our space-related activities in 2005. We combine solid industrial experience — in volume and efficiency — with institutional space experience, working with partners very demanding in terms of reliability. This dual expertise puts us in an ideal position today: we understand the needs of New Space actors while meeting the strict criteria of institutional missions.
This is a real revolution for the sector, and it is motivating for a company like ours.
AWEX: What is the place of Walloon companies in the international aerospace industry?
EC: It’s often not well known, but Wallonia has a complete space ecosystem. We have platform suppliers, companies specialized in optics, electronics, cryogenics, environmental test centers, as well as data-analysis experts. Together, the region covers all the skills needed to carry out a space mission from end to end.
That strengthens our credibility and visibility internationally, but also represents an asset for European technological sovereignty.
AWEX: Finally, you have a lot of export experience. What advice would you give to a company that wants to (re)develop its products for aerospace?
EC: The first advice I'd give is to emphasize experience. In space, clients look first at the technology readiness level (TRL). You need to show what has already been done, what has already been tested, and what has already flown. That is what creates credibility.
Second, highlight the sovereignty of your technology. Today, that matters a lot. “Made in Europe” is a strong argument on our continent, and remains for others a label of reliability and quality. For our part, we always favor European solutions — notably by avoiding ITAR-controlled components (from the United States) when a project requires it.
Finally, have a clear positioning. At DELTATEC, we focus our efforts on two axes: imaging and embedded data-processing systems. This specialization makes us visible and credible in a sector in full growth.