Portuguese Space Agency Takes National Industry to Milan
The Portuguese Secretary of State for Science visited the national delegation at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC2024). Portugal is represented at the world's largest space sector event by more than a dozen companies.
Portugal reaffirms its position in the global space sector with a strong presence at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan from October 14 to 18. Led by the Portuguese Space Agency, the national delegation includes companies such as Atlantic Space Consortium, Active Space, Connected, FHP, Geosat, Lusospace, Omnidea, and Tekever, reflecting the country’s increasing investment in space technologies and innovation. CEiiA, Neuraspace, and Synopsis Planet are also present.
This is Portugal’s second time participating in the IAC with such an expressive delegation, highlighting the commitment to promote national technological capability and strengthen international collaboration. The presence of the Secretary of State for Science, Ana Paiva, who met with the Director General of ESA in Milan, underscores the strategic importance of the space sector for the country’s socioeconomic development.
“Participating in the IAC made the weight of science in space technologies even clearer. Both in conversations with companies and in the meeting with the ESA Director General, the importance of frontier research and the integration of PhDs into the industrial fabric were highlighted as essential elements for developing an area with immense potential to improve everyone’s lives,” stated the Secretary of State for Science, Ana Paiva.
IAC 2024 is one of the world’s most significant events in the space sector, bringing together around 8,000 leaders and professionals from agencies, companies, and organisations worldwide to discuss the latest advances and challenges in space exploration. Under the theme “Responsible Space for Sustainability,” IAC 2024 aligns with the commitment of the Portuguese Space Agency to promote “Sustainable Space for a Sustainable Planet,” a priority that has guided the organisation’s activities in recent years.
“Portugal’s presence at the IAC is a unique opportunity to reinforce our role in space innovation and consolidate our international partnerships, ensuring that our country remains at the forefront of space technology development,” said Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency.
Portugal’s presence at the IAC reflects progress in the space sector and a clear signal of the country’s ambition to position itself as a relevant player in the European space community. With projects ranging from satellite development to new technological solutions, Portuguese companies showcase their work at the IAC to promote their contributions and explore new cooperation opportunities.
