We can go ahead and guess that 2024 is a good year for the Spanish aerospace industry”.
During the next 3 yearsnot one, but two total solar eclipses will be visible from Spain. This is a rare astronomical occurrence that will follow yet another, equally noteworthy, eclipse-related milestone that makes our industry proud. And that is Proba-3, one of the first missions of the European Space Agency (ESA) to be led by Spain.
While natural solar eclipses take place periodically, Proba-3 will attempt to simulate those eclipses in advantageous conditions, extending their duration for up to 6 hours per orbit. This mission is the result of years of work and industrial collaboration. The first of its kind, it aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility of satellite formation flying: thanks to its ability to maintain an extremely precise alignment, it will generate artificial on-demand eclipses to study the sun’s corona with an unprecedented resolution.
However, in addition to the mission’s technological and scientific relevance, it is yet another milestone for the national industry. Proba-3, expected to launch late this year, is an undeniable technical feat. Spain plays a key role in this mission, having a significant involvement in the design, development and construction of critical components for the mission’s success. First and foremost, it is a clear demonstration of the national capabilities, but also an opportunity to give them visibility and strengthen them.
This visibility does not only benefit the reputation of our companies in the global landscape, but also generates new business opportunities and long-term partnerships. Spain’s participation in Proba-3 is a driver of research and technological development in our country. The collaboration with international partners in cutting-edge projects such as this one fosters the transfer of knowledge and the acquisition of new skills, reinforcing the scientific and technical fabric of Spain. And this flow of innovation does not only benefit the aerospace sector, but also has a positive effect in related sectors.
Proba-3 is a complex mission that requires the involvement of tens of companies, which Sener has the honour and responsibility to lead. The participation of the Spanish industry also includes Airbus Defence and Space, GMV and Deimos. At Sener we have been participating in the program since 2007, and all those who have been involved in it are undoubtedly proud to see that its conclusion is so close.
Advances in strategic fields
In addition to their financial and scientific impact, Spain’s participation in missions such as Proba-3 has strategic implications that are of significance to our country. In an increasingly connected and competitive world, the capability to contribute to high-profile technological space projects does not only bolster Spain’s position in the international landscape, but also reinforces our sovereignty and our capability to face global challenges. Another example of this, also recent, is the launch of two quantum key development programs (QKD, quantum key distribution) for LEO and GEO orbits. These projects seek to enhance security in communications, establishing our country as an international leader in this field.
Examples such as these demonstrate our industry’s ability to play a key role in strategic areas, taking on initiatives that require steadfastness and active efforts, as well as a collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
In addition to the various projects the sector has taken part of during the last few months, it is important to highlight the consolidation of the Spanish Space Agency a milestone that must be celebrated and which invites us to reflect on Spain’s role in Europe and the world. Our sector is ranked among the first few places in terms of turnover and employed persons. The figures give us a reason to be optimistic, and so do the R&D efforts which are, in general, sustained and remarkable. This is a strategic sector for the Spanish economy growing, focused on R&D, and creating quality jobs with significant exporting capabilities.
