Portuguese Space Agency and ANI sign Memorandum of Understanding with Axiom Space
The Portuguese Space Agency and ANI have signed a strategic agreement with Axiom Space to boost co-operation in low Earth orbit, boost R&D and integrate Portuguese industries into the global space economy.
During the 8th New Space Atlantic Summit, the Portuguese Space Agency and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Axiom Space, a leader in commercial space infrastructure, to advance bilateral cooperation in space.
The agreement for this strategic partnership establishes a framework for cooperation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), promoting joint efforts in innovation, research, and development across key areas of the space economy. Through this partnership, Axiom Space aims to contribute to Portugal’s space strategy, particularly its focus on integrating traditional industries into the global space value chain, demonstrating how commercial space can serve as a powerful platform for industrial transformation.
Manlio Di Stefano, Director of International Markets at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of the MoU: “This agreement marks another milestone in Axiom Space’s role as a global leader in international space cooperation. By joining forces with Portugal, we demonstrate how commercial space can be a powerful catalyst for innovation across traditional sectors — from manufacturing to medicine. Portugal embraces the future with ambition and clarity, positioning itself as a dynamic player in the new space economy. We are proud to support this journey and to open new opportunities for Portuguese talent, research institutions, and companies to play a leading role in LEO.”
The collaboration will focus on several areas, including advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, life sciences, and space medicine, fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in the country. Axiom Space will also work closely with Portuguese universities and research institutions to promote awareness of the commercial and educational opportunities available in LEO.
“Portugal has a dynamic and globally connected space ecosystem, and this partnership with Axiom Space represents a new step in its evolution,” stated Ricardo Conde, president of the Portuguese Space Agency. “By joining forces with a leader in commercial space infrastructure, we are creating new opportunities for our industry, our researchers, academic bodies, and young talent to access and benefit from low-Earth Orbit as a platform for innovation and economic growth. This collaboration reflects Portugal’s vision of space as a strategic sector for national development and international cooperation.”
The Portuguese National Innovation Agency president, António Grilo, added, “This partnership with Axiom Space is a valuable opportunity to bring new sectors of the Portuguese economy into the space domain. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and boosting research and development activities, Portugal will strengthen its innovation capacity and reinforce the role of space as a driver of economic transformation.”
The MoU will not only reinforce Portugal’s position as an emerging leader in space exploration but also aims to foster significant economic growth and technological advancement within the country. By integrating traditional industries into the space value chain, Portugal is poised to leverage commercial space as a transformative force for its economy.
