The Space Lab International Advisory Board of Obuda University held its inaugural meeting, marking a milestone in the university’s global engagement in the space industry. The newly established board consists of three distinguished international experts with outstanding experience in the fields of space industry, venture capital, and space innovation ecosystem development, representing perspectives from across the globe—from New Zealand to Switzerland and the United States.
The inaugural meeting was opened by Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University; Dr. Miklós Kozlovszky, Head of the Space Lab; and Dr. Péter Kristóf, the Rector’s Commissioner for Space Affairs. With the establishment of this board, the university further strengthens its position in space research, engineering innovation, industrial collaboration, investment, cybersecurity, the space economy, and space sustainability, while also opening new pathways toward dual-use technologies.
“The creation of the International Advisory Board is a significant step forward for Obuda University and for the Hungarian space industry as a whole. With the involvement of Jeffrey Manber, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, and Raphael Röttgen, we are connecting Hungarian talent and research with the global space innovation ecosystem. This enables us to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technological solutions and to play a decisive role in shaping the future space economy, while striving for a leading regional role in education and research across the fields we cover,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács.
Strengthening Obuda University’s Role in the Global Space Economy
Established in 2024, the Space Lab’s mission is to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of space engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The lab coordinates projects in spacecraft development, space weather research, cybersecurity, and robotics, while also playing an active role in incubating startups, building industrial partnerships, and implementing international research initiatives.
With the creation of the International Advisory Board, Obuda University is elevating its international relations to a new level. Representing leading companies in the global space industry, venture capital ecosystems, and international innovation networks, the board members will provide strategic guidance over the next three years, primarily in the areas of innovation partnerships and investment transactions.
Members of the International Advisory Board
Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom (New Zealand)
Co-founder and CEO of SpaceBase, Emeline is an experienced space entrepreneur and ecosystem builder. An alumna and current faculty member of the International Space University (ISU), she has been actively involved worldwide in developing global space education programs aimed at democratizing access to space. Through SpaceBase and the Global Space Enablers Network, she has been at the forefront of building highly successful and sustainable space ecosystems, particularly in emerging countries. She brings extensive expertise in startup development, innovation strategy, and building collaborations across continents.
Jeffrey Manber (USA)
President of the International Space Station business unit of Voyager Technologies, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Jeffrey is one of the most prominent figures in the global space industry. With more than three decades of experience, he has played a defining role in the development and operation of commercial space stations and in strengthening international collaboration. Recently inducted into the International Astronautical Federation’s (IAF) Hall of Fame, he continues to be a key leader in shaping the future of space infrastructure, commercial solutions, and space policy.
Raphael Röttgen(Switzerland)
Founding Partner of E2MC (Earth to Mars Capital) Ventures, Raphael leads one of the world’s foremost venture capital funds focused on the space industry. He supports early-stage space startups with the aim of making them pivotal players in the future space economy. As a guest lecturer, he regularly teaches at EPFL in Switzerland and at the International Space University, focusing on space finance, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. He also hosts the Space Business Podcast and is the author of To Infinity, a book on the space economy. His career includes extensive experience in investment banking, hedge funds, and fintech, giving him unique insight into space investment, innovation, and startup development.
