Editorial

We are launching a new monthly medium to introduce to the public the individuals, companies, universities, and research centres a new way to disseminate the Portuguese insights about space and its actors. We want this to be a channel where everyone recognizes themselves in what Portugal does, identifies the people in space, and brings forward relevant news for the sector. 

This Newsletter will be a platform to promote the Portuguese space ecosystem, contributing to the promotion of knowledge in space sciences, stimulating scientific literacy, sharpening curiosity for those who are arriving in this beautiful world, but also to those who want to consolidate the knowledge that is being developed in Portugal. Furthermore, we want it to be a medium that gives the stage to Portuguese companies, research centres and all entities that show their capacity for innovation and technological and business achievements. 

Monthly, you will find here the latest news of the Portuguese space ecosystem, national and international business opportunities, job vacancies or events that you should not miss. Each month we will present you a theme with an in-depth approach, an area of activity, a business or research segment, showing the companies, research centres and people who make up the ecosystem. In addition, we will give voice to experts from various areas promoting the knowledge produced in Portugal.  

The first issue of our Newsletter is dedicated to Earth Observation and has an unmistakable message: the solution to many of the problems we have on Earth may be in space. From Frascati, Italy, we introduce you to Sara Aparício, a Portuguese scientist working at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Observation Centre, ESRIN. Sara joined ESA through the Young Graduate Trainee programme, which is open again this month. It is a unique opportunity for young graduates who want to venture into this sector.  

February will also be the occasion to start preparing the Space22+ Ministerial Summit at the Portuguese Space Agency. The ESA Council at the Ministerial level, to be held in December, will define the programmes and areas and the financial envelope that will dictate how ESA will respond to the significant challenges for Space in Europe in the coming years. We will meet again in March. Goodreads!