Eiffage Énergie Systèmes and Mulhouse Alsace Urban Area to co-chair the CVA in 2025

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes and Mulhouse Alsace Urban Area to co-chair the CVA in 2025

Energy Systems Division

- 05 March 2025 - 09:40

The Community of Ariane Cities (CVA) was co-founded in 1998 by the European Space Agency (ESA), the CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales) and Arianespace. It is a European association bringing together 15 “Ariane Cities” (or European cities in tandem with industrial partners), and three agencies specializing in European space transportation. Mulhouse Alsace Urban Area (m2A) and Eiffage Énergie Systèmes are co-chairing the CVA for the second time this year, as they did in 2013.

The CVA aims to promote space activities through programmes covering technical, cultural and educational subjects, and to inform the general public about European space activities at Europe's spaceport, the Guiana Space Centre (CSG).

Following a 2024 chaired by Airbus and Seville (in tandem), the presidency of the CVA has been entrusted to a human-sized duo, comprising m2A and Eiffage Énergie Systèmes. The pair have worked together for many years to promote the local economic fabric and generate jobs. They have set themselves the goal of promoting the space industry by showcasing our experts' diverse skills.

“We’re especially proud to take on the 2025 presidency of the Community of Ariane Cities, alongside m2A. This partnership is a further opportunity to show our commitment to the European space industry and our regions’ future. The “Space & Me” theme is our way of introducing all generations to the issues, challenges and innovations shaping tomorrow's space. This ambitious project embodies both the richness of our partnership with m2A and the importance of supporting emerging vocations in the space sector, while enhancing our region's attractiveness. Together, we’re paving the way for a new space adventure, with a view to recruiting and training tomorrow's talent”, explained Sébastien Grandjean, Regional Director of the Aerospace & Transport (AST) Business Unit.

A year of local events

The year 2025 was launched with the Salon de l’orientation, de l’évolution professionnelle et de l’emploi, a trade fair for career guidance, professional development and employment, which took place on January 18 at the Parc des Expositions in Mulhouse. It will be further marked by a series of actions orchestrated by m2A: activities, presentations and major events for all publics. A travelling exhibition featuring a dozen kakemonos designed by CNES is to tour the conurbation's towns and villages. A 1.80 m Lego-brick reproduction of a rocket (identical to the one on display at Eiffage Énergie Systèmes in Mulhouse) will provide a striking backdrop to the exhibition, and make a lasting impression!

“Eiffage Energie Systèmes will also manage the Cross Ariane (Ariane cross-country event) scheduled over a half-day in October. This sporting highlight will bring together 600 runners from all over Europe. Most of the participants are professionals in the space industry, and will be invited to discover the region through visits to the automobile and train museums. The event will culminate in a gala evening in a prestigious setting, with a meal and prize-giving ceremony,” said Sébastien Grandjean.

Another highlight will be a visit to our Mulhouse premises by primary and secondary school pupils. The younger ones will be able to enjoy a fun activity, with an immersive experience for the older ones. A visit to a 3D firing range, complete with augmented reality goggles, could well inspire some new vocations…

The launch is imminent !

On 30 January, Eiffage Energie Systèmes' Space Market Division Director Pascal Conrath and Sébastien Grandjean were duplexed from Kourou in French Guiana to take part in m2A's New Year event. They were speaking live from the Guiana Space Centre, where 120 of our experts play an active role in each launch (particularly in the maintenance and operation of command-and-control systems).

To further consolidate the long-standing partnership between our division and the Space Centre, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes will soon be sponsoring a rocket launch. Lift-off is scheduled for August or September 2025, with the aim of showcasing and placing in orbit our experts' various areas of expertise.