The Spanish Space Agency in our new world

GMV recently participated in a breakfast conference on “The Spanish Space Agency in Our New World,” organized by the Club Diálogos para la Democracia. The event was a meeting point where representatives of the Spanish space industry and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) director reflected on the industry’s present and future. 

In his remarks, GMV’s general manager of EST Space Systems, Enrique Fraga, spoke of the need for AEE to act as a spokesperson for the country’s industry, bringing together funding and catalyzing investment in national and European programs. He highlighted the agency’s ability to foster industry collaboration and pursue competitiveness to further strengthen the Spanish space industry, making it a leader worldwide. Fraga stressed the importance of greater collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), a commitment that is expected to be ratified at the next Ministerial Council Meeting, where GMV is eager to cement its role as Europe’s leading midcap. 

Regarding the role that the Spanish Space Agency can play in the new world order, the speakers took an in-depth look at the current situation, characterized by collaboration among the major space agencies and the emergence of powerhouse companies such as Space X and Blue Origin, involved in the most ambitious missions.

All the participants assessed the strategic importance of space autonomy in the current geopolitical climate, the growing relevance of the space sector as a driver of the world economy, and their interest in national and international collaboration between Spanish and European industry.

The event addressed key issues such as the launch of the SpainSat NG I satellite, the contribution of Spanish technology to the future Paz II satellite and the European Union’s IRIS² program, and the challenges of coordinating national space policy.

In his remarks, Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido, the director of AEE, described the Spanish aerospace sector as extraordinarily strong and spoke of AEE’s potential to bring together the interests of this sector and help it speak with one voice, highlighting the ability of Spanish companies to lead international projects and missions. 

Cortés Pulido stressed that Spain is among the top 10 countries in the space industry and emphasized the Agency’s triple role as strategic manager, player in international relations, and promoter of the benefits of the sector in society. He also discussed AEE’s three first-level goals: design a national space policy, develop and coordinate a state space strategy in collaboration with all sector stakeholders, and present the preliminary draft of the Space Act.

Finally, there was a Q&A session with those present, covering topics such as the challenges facing the AEE, space sustainability, the future of European launchers and Spain’s key role in this area, space exploration missions, cooperation with international organizations, the Atlantic Constellation, private investment, and more.

Participants agreed that Spain has a prominent position in the global space environment and must define clear strategies to maintain and improve this position. The event reflected AEE’s commitment to disruptive technologies, internationalization, and the strengthening of Spain’s role as a leader in the sector.