In 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Spain, as one of the founding members, has contributed to ESA’s Science Programme since the agency’s inception in 1975. This programme, essential to ESA’s mission, has facilitated the development, launch, and operation of numerous high-impact scientific missions, establishing Europe as a leader in space science. Each ESA Member State, including Spain, has both contributed to and benefitted from the collaboration, driving significant advancements in interdisciplinary fields.
We talk with Professor Carole Mundell, Director of Science at the European Space Agency and Head of the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), Madrid, about ESA’s scientific priorities, the critical technologies needed to achieve those goals, and the balance of her first year leading an international team of scientists and engineers delivering the ESA Science Programme to develop ground-breaking technologies for frontier discoveries in planetary science, solar physics, astrophysics and cosmology, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of the Universe and our place in it.
What are ESA’s main scientific priorities in the medium and long term?
Next year is crucial for ESA as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and sets its budget for the next three years at the 2025 Ministerial Meeting. The long-term strategy, Voyage 2050, aims to maintain ESA’s leadership in space science until mid-century.
Short-term missions include SMILE (2025), PLATO (2026), Comet Interceptor (2029), and Ariel (2029). Additionally, ESA is preparing missions like EnVision, LISA, ARRAKIHS, and NewAthena for the 2030s. Current missions continue to produce valuable scientific data, and future projects, such as a mission to Saturn’s moon Enceladus, are in development under the Voyage 2050 plan.
What is the potential impact of these advances on societal well-being?
ESA’s Science Programme benefits society by inspiring a deeper understanding of the cosmos and driving technological and scientific advancements. Iconic missions, built by European industry, boost Europe’s leadership in space science, enhancing competitiveness, autonomy, and international collaboration.
ESA’s Science Programme benefits society by inspiring a deeper understanding of the cosmos and driving technological and scientific advances”
ESA fosters cooperation among countries and institutions, creating economic benefits by attracting top talent, strengthening skills, and generating highly skilled jobs. Additionally, the programme encourages STEM education, helping to meet Europe’s growing demand for skilled professionals to address global challenges, while supporting the development of universities, research institutes, and industries across Member States.
Which technologies will be the most critical to achieve these goals?
ESA’s Science Programme includes diverse missions operating in vastly different environments, such as BepiColombo heading to Mercury and JUICE to Jupiter. These missions require specialized instruments and spacecraft designed for long-term, high-performance operations. Key technologies advancing these missions include miniaturized payloads, space-qualified electronics, robust materials, high-resolution CCD detectors, cooling systems, autonomous navigation, and efficient data compression.
These innovations not only push the boundaries of space science but also have broad applications across various sectors, benefiting more than just space science.
Space industry companies play a key role in sharing the value of space science with the public”
It can sometimes be difficult to pass these benefits on to the public. In your opinion, what can companies in the industry contribute to facilitate this task of dissemination and awareness-raising?
Space industry companies play a key role in sharing the value of space science with the public. They can participate in events like World Space Week, host open days, and offer internships to engage students and young people.
Although immersed in cutting-edge technology and complex problem-solving daily, companies should make an effort to showcase their work and achievements to the public and decision-makers. Sharing these experiences not only highlights the challenges and successes in the space sector but also helps inspire and educate future generations while demonstrating the industry’s contributions to society.
A little over a year after your appointment as director of ESAC, what is your assessment of this time, and what challenges will the centre focus on in 2025?
The space sector is undergoing rapid changes, impacting ESA’s Science Programme. In my first year as Director, I visited all Member States to share ESA’s vision and gather feedback, laying a foundation for the 2025 Ministerial Meeting and long-term planning.
Key milestones included the launches of JUICE and Euclid, with strong collaboration from Member States, industry, and scientists. I witnessed the commitment of ESA and Industry to overcome technical challenges, ensuring we deliver groundbreaking science. Annual ESA Open Days celebrate achievements, and 2025 will be especially significant, marking ESA’s 50th anniversary and Spain’s crucial role as a founding member.
The creation of the Spanish Space Agency strengthens Spain’s role in global space activities”
What is your assessment of the creation of the Spanish Space Agency?
The creation of the Spanish Space Agency strengthens Spain’s role in global space activities. As an active ESA member and strong supporter of the ESA Science Programme, Spain plays a key role in the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), where ESA mission data are archived.
Spain views space activities as vital for growing industrial capabilities, contributing to numerous ESA missions. Spanish scientists have made significant contributions, combining industrial involvement with scientific excellence. The new agency will further boost Spain’s influence in space activities, enhancing its contributions both now and in the future.
Lastly: historically, how do you assess the contribution of Spanish industry to scientific advances in space science in Europe?
Spanish industry has developed advanced technological capabilities for space science missions, including mechanical and thermal hardware, and is expanding into cryogenic thermal technology for future missions like NewAthena. The industry includes major companies like ADS-ES and Sener, as well as smaller firms such as AVS, SATLANTIS, and IberEspacio.
Spanish contributions include platforms for missions like CHEOPS and Proba-3, and payload systems for SMILE and ARRAKIHS. Additionally, Spain has supported major missions such as Solar Orbiter, Euclid, JUICE, PLATO, and Ariel, demonstrating its maturity and leadership in Europe’s space science sector. ARRAKIHS will be Spain’s first coordinated mission.
