Spain in the New Equation of European Space Power: strategy, autonomy and leadership
The mandate of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is clear: to coordinate Spain’s space policy and activities, represent the country in European and international forums, and ensure that space serves the interests and needs of society across civil, industrial, scientific and security domains. A key part of this mandate is aligning national action with the accelerating pace of European space policy, shaped by geopolitical change, the renewed importance of defence and security, and the growing need for sovereignty, strategic autonomy and resilient critical infrastructure.
The Agency does not operate in isolation. Its role is embedded within a European Union that has evolved from viewing space primarily as an economic enabler to recognising it as a strategic domain, in line with the doctrinal evolution of NATO and the world’s leading space powers. Spain also plays a fundamental role within the European Space Agency (ESA), where it now stands as the fourth-largest contributor alongside Germany, France and Italy.
The AEE ensures that Spain no longer merely reacts to programmes defined elsewhere. Through the Agency, the country actively contributes to shaping European priorities, anticipating the technological and geopolitical developments that will influence the future of the space sector.
This approach reflects an undeniable reality: space has become a domain of direct strategic competition. The fragmentation of the security environment, growing dependence on space-based infrastructure for critical services and the gradual militarisation of the domain require coherent and forward-looking policies. In this context, Spain has identified the preservation and strengthening of critical capabilities for European strategic autonomy as a national priority.
One of the central pillars of this strategy is secure governmental communications, with the IRIS² programme serving as a cornerstone of European sovereignty. Through its industrial capabilities, Spain is investing in architectures based on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) constellations, combining low latency, high capacity and enhanced resilience against interference and hostile actions.
At the same time, Spain is leading the development of advanced GEO-based systems, exemplified by the Spainsat NG satellites, the most advanced secure communications satellites in Europe. The integration of emerging technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) further reinforces this long-term vision, preparing for post-quantum security scenarios that will shape information protection in the decades ahead.
High-revisit Earth observation capabilities represent another strategic pillar. Initiatives such as ESCA and ESCA+ are designed to provide near real-time information, a capability that is increasingly critical for crisis management, security operations, the protection of critical infrastructure and strategic decision-making.
The AEE promotes a vision in which these capabilities are conceived from the outset as dual-use systems, integrating both civil and security applications while relying on national developments that ensure technological and operational independence. At the same time, these programmes strengthen the competitiveness of Spanish industry in global markets.
This same logic extends to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and the protection of orbital assets—essential capabilities in an increasingly congested, contested and competitive space environment.
European space policy is now confronting a clear reality: the space domain is inseparable from defence.
The Agency does not operate in isolation. Its role is embedded within a European Union that has evolved from viewing space as an economic enabler to recognising it as a strategic domain”
The figures speak for themselves. Europe is expected to invest at least €92 billion in space capabilities by 2030, while significant gaps remain in critical areas such as launch systems, missile early warning, advanced ISR capabilities and SSA. Closing these gaps will depend not only on deploying more satellites, but also on building a resilient European space ecosystem that includes independent access to space, robust ground infrastructure, secure data exchange and effective command-and-control systems.
Against this backdrop, the AEE acts as a multiplier of European ambition by promoting Spain’s participation in initiatives such as IRIS, EOGS, Space Shield, ESCA, and future ESA programmes related to space security and return capabilities.
This engagement is fundamental for enhancing industrial return, strengthening Spain’s influence and consolidating its leadership role in shaping the future European space landscape.
In this context, the National Space Congress has established itself as an essential instrument for advancing Spain’s space policy. More than a sectoral event, it serves as a platform for strategic alignment among public administrations, industry, technology centres, defence stakeholders, the scientific community and European and allied partners, translating political priorities into concrete and shared roadmaps.
With the leadership of the AEE, Spanish space policy is entering a new phase of strategic maturity. Space has become a structural dimension of power, security and European autonomy, fully aligned with the frameworks of both the European Union and NATO.
