The benefits for Spain of creating its own Space Agency

The birth of the Spanish Space Agency confirms the good shape of the space sector in Spain. This sector has experienced significant growth in recent decades and has managed to establish itself as a relevant player in the international space arena. 

The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is the state agency responsible, in the space field, for contributing to national security, promoting scientific research and industry, representing Spain in international forums and coordinating national institutions in this field. It is also responsible for designing and coordinating the Spanish Space Strategy. 

AAE became operational on 20 April 2023 with the constitution of the Governing Council. On 29 May, after receiving a visit from the NASA administrator at its headquarters in Seville, it became part of the global network of space agencies linked to the Artemis Agreements. 

The Spanish Space Agency will act as the central body responsible for coordinating space activities in Spain, which involves establishing a national space strategy, coordinating Spanish participation in international space programmes and representing Spain in the context of the European Space Agency (ESA) and other international space organisations. 

 

In what areas will the Spanish Space Agency bring advances? 

This institution will bring with it considerable advances, among which the following stand out:  

• Development of the national space industry: The Spanish Space Agency will play a key role in the development and strengthening of the space industry in Spain. Through the promotion of research and development, collaboration between companies, universities and research centres, and the provision of funding and technical support, the agency will boost the growth and competitiveness of the industry. 

• Participation in international programmes: The Spanish Space Agency coordinates Spanish participation in international space programmes, particularly within the framework of ESA. This involves collaborating with other European countries in space exploration, Earth observation, satellite telecommunications and navigation projects. 

• R&D development: Research and development in the space domain often leads to the generation of innovative technologies that can have applications in other sectors. The Spanish Space Agency facilitates the transfer of space technology to the business sector and other areas of society. This involves promoting knowledge transfer, collaborating with companies and facilitating the commercialisation of space technologies developed in Spain. 

• Dissemination and communication: The Spanish Space Agency also has among its main objectives to communicate and disseminate Spanish space activities both nationally and internationally, by disseminating information, participating in events, contacting the media, promoting scientific and technological vocations, and providing access to online resources. These efforts contribute to increasing the visibility and understanding of the Spanish space industry and promote greater public awareness and support for the sector. 

The Spanish Space Agency will unify all of our country’s space policies and effectively coordinate all services and activities in the sector to guarantee the Spanish Government’s strategic action in the field of space. 

It will have an initial budget of more than 700 million euros this year and will employ 75 people with a highly qualified profile and a recognised professional career. 

 

ARQUIMEA, a leading company in the space sector in Spain 

ARQUIMEA has more than 18 years of experience in the design and manufacture of flight equipment for satellites and launchers. We have successfully participated in more than 160 missions and delivered more than 20,000 pieces of equipment for satellites, launchers and space instruments. We collaborate with the main international agencies such as NASA and ESA and with the main companies in the sector. 

The Spanish Space Agency is the result of decades of effort and work by institutions and companies in the sector to make Spain a benchmark in the international space industry. Now a new stage has begun in order to continue growing and contributing technologies that add value to the growing space sector.