The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) is pleased to welcome the Portuguese Space Agency as the newest member to the Institute. The Portuguese Space Agency was created by the Portuguese government in 2019, an while currently focused on implementing the “Portugal Space 2030” Strategy, the Agency broadly focuses on Earth observation, the small satellite industry, and the development of mega-constellations. The Portuguese Space Agency is also committed to creating a new generation of small launchers in terms of safety and environmental impact while working to coordinate global efforts to safeguard the governance that assures the future of space activities.
The “Portugal Space 2030” Strategy aims to promote space as a fundamental tool for the economic and social development of the Portuguese economy over the next decade, and to create an educational and cultural ecosystem that fosters a future of robust and sustainable growth for the sector. The Agency also promotes space as a powerful instrument to tackle climate change challenges and ensure the sustainability of the planet.
The admission of the Portuguese Space Agency was approved by ESPI’s General Assembly in May 2023.
About the Portuguese Space Agency
Helmed by President Ricardo Conde, the Portuguese Space Agency maintains a workforce of about 20 employees. As the national space agency of Portugal, it coordinates Portuguese participation in the European Space Agency (ESA). The Portuguese Space Agency also coordinates the Portuguese participation in the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and in the recent SKA Observatory as a founding member. The Agency is the national representative for Portugal to the European Commission for matters related to space, namely the European Union Space Programme (Copernicus, Galileo, GOVSATCOM, SSA) and Horizon Europe. It also has a seat at the table in the Board of European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA).
“By joining ESPI, the most prominent European think tank for the space sector, the Portuguese Space Agency is becoming part of an European and international cross-disciplinary network of researchers and experts that play a fundamental role in shaping European space. Also, Portugal will boost its position on the definition of the European space policy development,” says Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency.
About ESPI Membership
ESPI is funded and supported by its two founding members and its 16 regular members. The membership includes various institutions drawn from national agencies, international organisations, and private companies. Each member organisation holds a seat on the General Assembly, which is the governing body of ESPI.
