Portugal now has its first commercial spaceport, thanks to the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium on Santa Maria Island in the Azores. The Malbusca Launch Centre got official licensing approval in 2025, putting Portugal on the map as a strategic European launch gateway, with operations kicking off in 2026.
The Malbusca Launch Centre sits on Santa Maria Island at 36º55’57”N, 25º04’12”W, about 1,500 kilometers away from Portugal’s mainland. This spot in the Atlantic gives commercial space operations a solid edge.
Santa Maria benefits from very low air traffic in its Oceanic Flight Information Region. NAV Portugal oversees this airspace, which really streamlines launch coordination.
Ships rarely cross these Atlantic waters. That isolation means safe rocket trajectories and easier spacecraft recovery, with plenty of ocean room to work with.
Launch Trajectory Benefits:
The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium ran atmospheric rocket tests in September 2024. Those tests proved the facility works and follows safety protocols.
Construction supports both suborbital and orbital launches. The infrastructure welcomes different launcher operators through an open-access setup.
The Regional Government of the Azores backs spaceport development as part of its push to diversify the economy. President José Manuel Bolieiro called the licensing a historic move, saying it puts the Azores on the map as a space innovation hotspot.
Regional leaders see the spaceport as a way to boost the local economy beyond just tourism and farming. The project is creating high-tech jobs and attracting aerospace investment from abroad.
The government worked closely with national authorities during licensing. This teamwork made sure the project fit both regional goals and national space rules.
Government Support Areas:
Local municipalities, especially Vila do Porto, have welcomed the project. They’ve helped with land use approvals and community outreach.
ANACOM, Portugal’s National Communications Authority and Space Authority, issued the country’s first-ever spaceport license. The licensing process brought together several government agencies.
The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium officially applied for the license in December 2024 after years of groundwork. Their application included safety, environmental, and operational assessments.
The Portuguese Space Agency gave technical input during the review. Ricardo Conde, the agency’s president, called the milestone a big deal for Portugal’s space ambitions.
Regulatory Requirements Include:
The license lets the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium attract launcher operators, who then start their own certification. Each operator still needs their own license to use Malbusca.
Portugal’s regulations stick to high EU standards but keep things flexible for business. This balance supports safety while letting the industry grow.
The consortium has already landed contracts for its first suborbital flights, set for spring 2026. These early missions will show what the facility can do and test out the regulatory system.
Portugal put together a national space framework called Portugal Space 2030, laying out clear goals for its space sector. The plan aims to make Portugal a European gateway for space access and to build strong ties with big space organizations.
Portugal Space 2030 is the country’s big-picture plan to become a leader in space science and tech. The strategy focuses on Space-Earth-Climate-Oceans interactions and wants Portugal to stand out globally.
The vision goes beyond launching rockets. Portugal wants to use space tech in agriculture, fisheries, maritime work, and even tourism.
Key strategic objectives include:
The plan talks a lot about the “Democratization of Space.” That means bringing space tech into everyday business and reducing how much the public sector pays for everything.
Portugal’s spot in the Atlantic and its maritime background make it a natural for space operations. The country hopes to attract investment in spaceports and satellite services.
Portugal takes an active role in European Space Agency programs. The Portuguese Space Agency coordinates national efforts while staying in sync with Europe’s bigger goals.
The collaboration aims for scientific excellence and tech progress. Portugal contributes to ESA missions and works on building its own space skills.
Portuguese institutions partner with Europeans on Earth observation. These partnerships boost Portugal’s role in climate and ocean science.
The country also joins ESA’s commercial space projects. This opens doors for Portuguese companies in European space markets and tech transfer deals.
Portugal’s ESA partnership covers astronaut training and space research. Scientists and engineers from Portugal get access to advanced facilities and missions.
The Portuguese government put €9.25 million into new space projects recently. This funding goes to infrastructure and helps private space tech companies grow.
Portugal wants to attract foreign direct investment in space industries. The plan makes it easier for international companies to set up shop in Portugal.
The investment focuses on:
Portugal issued its first spaceport license as part of this national strategy. That move makes the country a real option for European space operations.
The government encourages universities and private companies to work together. This helps transfer technology and train people for space jobs.
Private partnerships get top priority in Portugal’s investment plan. The goal is to build a self-sustaining commercial space sector, not just rely on government money.
Portugal’s space sector brings together government agencies, established companies, and new startups. The Portuguese Space Agency steers strategy, but private firms and research partners drive innovation.
The Portuguese Space Agency leads the charge on “Portugal Space 2030.” It works with the Azores’ regional government to make Portugal a space innovation hub.
In the first half of 2025, the agency reported a jump in national space activity. Funding hit €11 million in the first quarter, with €8.7 million going to European Space Agency missions.
The agency registered and launched two new satellites. Companies like Active Space Technologies, Deimos, and Lusospace joined the Biomass mission launch in April 2025.
Portugal increased its ESA investment from €19.4 million to €30 million. That’s a pretty big leap and shows Portugal is serious about joining Europe’s space leaders.
Portugal’s space ecosystem now counts 87 companies in different areas. Active Space Technologies, Deimos, and Lusospace stand out with strong ESA mission records.
These companies landed the biggest contracts ever from ESA to Portuguese firms for a single mission. The LISA mission contracts are a big deal for Portugal’s space industry.
ASC (Azores Space Consortium) runs the GAMA rocket, a 3.35-meter rocket built in Portugal. The group wants to put Portugal on the global map for commercial space launches.
Beyond Gravity expanded into Portugal, seeing promise in the country’s engineering and digital skills. This international move shows Portugal’s space sector is gaining respect.
Three new companies joined Portugal’s space scene in early 2025. Space Forge and Stellar Kinetics set up on Santa Maria Island in the Azores, each with its own specialty.
Space Forge works on in-orbit manufacturing. Stellar Kinetics focuses on launcher segment technology. Aminhaterra operates downstream, adding to Portugal’s space value chain.
Portugal’s space scene also includes 46 research centers. These groups team up with companies in programs like CubeSat Portugal, which held boot camps for sharing knowledge.
Portuguese teams hit record numbers at the European Rocketry Challenge. The Astronaut for a Day program added flights in the Azores for the first time in 2025.
Portugal’s space tourism sector is still in its early days. Most activity is about building infrastructure and forming partnerships, not actually flying tourists yet. Right now, space companies focus on satellite tech and atmospheric launches, but they’re keeping an eye on future tourism.
Portugal hasn’t sent any space tourists up through commercial flights yet. If citizens want to go to space, they have to book with international players like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, or SpaceX.
Some Portuguese entrepreneurs and business leaders have shown interest in spaceflight. Still, there aren’t any public bookings or completed flights from Portugal’s space crowd.
The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium’s atmospheric rocket tests in September 2024 are a first step toward possible space tourism. Those rockets reached about 5,596 meters—nowhere near the Kármán line at 100 kilometers.
Space industry insiders in Portugal admit space tourism is a long-term project. For now, they’re working on the tech and rules they’ll need for future tourist flights.
Portuguese space companies haven’t built suborbital tourist rockets yet. The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium’s GAMA rocket is for atmospheric research, not people.
Santa Maria Island’s launch facility doesn’t have what’s needed for tourist operations. Current launches use unmanned rockets for testing and research.
NAV Portugal’s regulatory framework covers rocket safety. But the rules don’t extend to human spaceflight or tourism just yet.
If atmospheric testing goes well, suborbital flight development might follow. The consortium needs to prove it can launch reliably before thinking about flying people.
International space tourism companies could someday use Portugal’s facilities. The Azores’ location could help with certain orbital paths.
Mystic Invest is Portugal’s best-known link to space tourism, thanks to its travel and cruise business. Mystic Cruises already offers luxury expeditions and has shown interest in future space tourism.
Their experience with high-end travel could help them break into space tourism if the market grows.
Portugal’s broader tourism sector hasn’t formed big partnerships with space companies. Most space firms focus on satellites and launches, not tourism for now.
The New Space Portugal consortium brings together 40 entities working on Earth observation satellites. While their main focus is commercial satellite work, this network could help future tourism efforts.
Regional leaders in the Azores see economic potential in the spaceport. Local officials hope space tourism could become a new source of income for the islands.
Portugal has made real progress with astronaut candidates and space education programs. Right now, 13 candidates from Portugal are moving forward in the European Space Agency’s astronaut selection process. New training programs are also getting the next generation ready for space.
Ana Pires broke new ground as Portugal’s first female scientist-astronaut. She picked up her NASA scientist-astronaut diploma while studying at the Engineering School of P.PORTO and carried out research at INESC TEC.
She specializes in Engineering, Electronics, and Computers, focusing on the Autonomous Systems Branch.
Thirteen Portuguese candidates have made it to the second phase of ESA’s astronaut selection. This group features ten men and three women, all vying for spots that might one day put them on lunar missions.
They represent 4% of Portugal’s initial applicants and 1% of all European candidates still in the running. Out of 1,361 candidates left across Europe, Portugal holds a solid spot in this tough competition.
These folks already tackled tough psychological performance tests. Next up: more interviews, group assessments, and medical exams as the selection continues.
Hugo Costa, director of the Portuguese Space Agency, pointed out that the number of candidates doubled compared to the 2008 selection. It really shows how Portugal’s interest in space keeps growing.
Portugal Space runs the Astronaut for a Day program, now in its fourth year. Every year, 30 young Portuguese students get the chance to feel weightless during parabolic flights on modified aircraft.
They use an Airbus A310 from the French company Novespace. Students get a taste of zero gravity, just like real astronauts, during these specially organized flights.
For 2025, the program will run from September 18-21 on Santa Maria Island in the Azores. It’s the first time they’ve taken it outside mainland Portugal, opening doors for students from all over the country.
Training opportunities go beyond flights. Internships cover earth observation, human spaceflight ops, mission control, navigation, space science, and telecommunications. These programs set up candidates for a wide range of space industry roles.
The initiative hit a diversity milestone when female applicants outnumbered male ones for the first time. Most program finalists come from Coimbra and Lisbon districts.
Portugal’s really making a name for itself in space education, especially with hands-on programs that let students try out space tech for themselves. The Portuguese Space Agency leads several projects aimed at inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Portuguese universities have ramped up their aerospace engineering programs to meet the growing demand for space experts. The NEW SPACE PORTUGAL program connects several universities, making aerospace education stronger across the country.
These schools focus on practical training, getting students ready for real jobs in satellite tech, mission planning, and spacecraft design. Students work on actual projects that help push Portugal’s space dreams forward.
The 1st Space Education Summit brought together universities to talk about the future of aerospace education. This kind of collaboration helps standardize courses and pool resources.
Many programs link up with European Space Agency projects, so students get hands-on experience with international missions and top-tier research.
The Zero-G Portugal – Astronaut for a Day program is Portugal’s standout youth space initiative. The competition picks 30 students aged 14 to 18 to experience microgravity on a French Novespace Airbus A310.
Students jump through four selection hoops that mimic real astronaut training. They take perception tests, do physical exams, and go through interviews before making it onto the parabolic flight.
So far, the program has created 91 student “astronauts” who go back to their schools and share what it’s like to float in microgravity.
Portugal also runs analog Mars missions in Monsaraz. European high school students get to take part in simulated Mars expeditions through the EU-backed EXPLORE project, which started in 2023.
Portugal Space teams up with Ciência Viva to promote science and tech careers to young people. These programs reach students from every Portuguese district, making sure everyone has a shot at space education.
The Portuguese Space Agency reminds students that space jobs don’t just mean astronaut training. There are plenty of opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields tied to the space sector.
They also work with the Psychology Centre of the University of Porto to build selection processes that spot students with the right skills for space-related careers.
Portugal’s space education strategy aims to build a skilled workforce, hoping to make the country “a space nation by the end of this decade.” Minister Elvira Fortunato made this bold announcement during events marking 30 years since Portugal’s first satellite launch.
Portugal’s carving out a place in global space exploration through smart partnerships with major space agencies and cross-border research projects. These connections range from European Space Agency programs to bilateral deals that push space tech and tourism forward.
Portugal plays an active role in European Space Agency projects that support commercial space activity. The Portuguese Space Agency works closely with ESA on Earth observation and satellite tech development.
Portuguese engineers contribute to ESA’s commercial crew programs, bringing their technical know-how and ground support. They help develop spacecraft systems that make civilian space travel possible.
Portugal’s location gives ESA missions a real advantage. The Azores islands work as a strategic return and access hub for spacecraft, making Portugal a key player for European launches and re-entries.
The collaboration brings shared funding for space tourism infrastructure. Portuguese companies win ESA contracts to develop new commercial spaceflight tech, creating real routes for civilian space travel.
Portugal and Spain teamed up to form the Iberian Space Partnership, boosting aerospace capabilities on both sides. Companies like Satlantis Microsats, CEiiA, and Geosat join forces for joint space tourism projects.
In 2024, the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences signed agreements with Portuguese institutions. The partnership covers science, tech, engineering, and space research that directly supports commercial space travel.
Portuguese research teams run microgravity flight missions and bioastronautics studies. Their work improves safety protocols for civilian astronauts and helps set medical standards for space tourists.
Cross-border projects also focus on robotics and sensors for spacecraft. Portuguese engineers partner with international teams on life support systems, making space travel safer and more accessible for regular people.
Building space infrastructure in the Azores brings new economic opportunities for local communities. It’s turning the islands from a remote Atlantic outpost into a strategic hub for commercial space work.
The Azores government has made the space sector a big part of its economic growth strategy. Direct investments and job creation are at the heart of this plan. The Santa Maria spaceport project brings high-skilled jobs to an island that hasn’t seen much industrial growth before.
Direct Employment Creation Space operations need specialized technicians, engineers, and support staff who move to the region. Launches also drive demand for local services—hotels, transport, and logistics all get a boost.
The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium hires local workers for building and maintaining the facility. These jobs pay more than traditional island work like farming or tourism.
Tourism and Hospitality Growth Space launches draw visitors from mainland Portugal and abroad. Hotels and restaurants see more bookings during launches and space events.
The Azores government promotes space tourism alongside traditional tourism. Santa Maria Island gets more attention because of its role in Portugal’s space program.
Space operations create new demand for services that didn’t exist in the Azores before. Local businesses shift gears to meet the needs of aerospace companies and their staff.
Technical Services Development The spaceport needs advanced telecommunications, precision manufacturing, and special maintenance services. Local firms partner with mainland companies to build these skills.
Transport infrastructure gets a facelift to handle rocket parts and equipment. Ports and cargo services expand to meet the new logistics needs of the space industry.
Educational and Training Programs The Azores government backs space-focused education through the Azores Space Teachers Network. These programs help local students get ready for aerospace careers.
Technical training centers roll out courses in aerospace manufacturing and launch operations. This gives Azorean residents a way into the space industry without leaving home.
Portugal has put together solid regulations for space activities, using updated laws and strict safety rules. The country’s space program follows clear licensing procedures and detailed safety standards to keep commercial space operations secure.
Portugal’s licensing system works under Decree-Law No. 20/2024, which updated the original 2019 framework. The Portuguese Space Agency acts as the main regulator for all space activities.
License Categories cover space operations, launch center operations, and satellite deployments. Each one comes with its own paperwork and technical requirements.
Applicants have to submit safety plans showing that risks are “as low as reasonably practicable.” The Agency reviews technical specs and safety protocols before giving the green light.
Launch center licenses last 15 years and can be renewed. These permits need coordination with other regulators based on where the facility is and what it’ll do.
The Agency works with local authorities to set up proper notification systems. Any license transfers or awards have to be reported to the Autonomous Regions where the facilities are.
Portugal enforces tough safety protocols for all space activities. The latest rules demand full safety plans with risk assessments for every mission phase.
Command and control systems have to meet strict operational standards. Space operators file detailed specs about their control processes and backups.
Safety requirements cover launches, orbital activities, and returns. Launcher vehicles and payload space objects follow different standards during launch and return.
Regulatory coordination between the Portuguese Space Agency and NAV Portugal manages airspace. They set up exclusion zones and safety rules for launches.
Operators need the right insurance to protect third parties. They must prove they have enough coverage for any possible damages.
The safety framework matches international best practices but still fits Portugal’s unique needs. Regular updates bring in lessons learned from current operations.
Portugal’s space sector feels like it’s on the edge of something big, with real plans for suborbital launches from the Azores and new tech that could make the country Europe’s space gateway. The location and growing investment in space infrastructure open up big chances for commercial operations.
Portugal has set clear goals for launching its first commercial space operations from Santa Maria Island in the Azores. The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium ran successful test launches in 2024, showing the site works for suborbital flights.
The Santa Maria Technological and Space Center anchors Portugal’s space ambitions. This facility will handle regular suborbital launches and, down the road, orbital missions.
Portugal’s Space 2030 strategy lays out targets for the next decade. The plan aims to make Portugal Europe’s main access point to space, thanks to its Atlantic spot.
Government support keeps things moving. The Portuguese Space Agency has already secured licenses that let private companies launch from Portuguese soil.
International partnerships with the European Space Agency bring technical help and funding. These connections speed up Portugal’s journey to becoming a major space hub.
Space traffic monitoring is turning into a real opportunity for Portugal. From its Atlantic vantage point, the country’s building advanced radar systems to track satellites and space debris.
Portuguese companies have started investing in downstream space technology. They’re working on satellite data processing, communications systems, and earth observation services for global markets.
The New Space Atlantic Summit 2025 is set to highlight Portugal’s tech capabilities to international investors. Organizers hope the event sparks partnerships that’ll speed up space technology development.
Portugal’s universities keep expanding their space engineering programs. These efforts are creating a skilled workforce for the space sector, which keeps growing.
Suborbital tourism looks like an immediate commercial opportunity. Portugal’s spaceport location opens up unique flight paths over the Atlantic, offering space tourists something different.
The country’s also working on space manufacturing. Microgravity research facilities are on the way to support pharmaceutical and materials science experiments in orbit.
Portugal has carved out a spot as a significant player in European space science. The country’s research facilities and innovative satellite tech keep pushing boundaries.
Portuguese scientists run groundbreaking astrophysics research. Engineers in the country develop advanced spacecraft systems for international missions.
Portugal runs several top-notch research institutions that add to global space science knowledge. The Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences leads the way in stellar physics, planetary science, and cosmology.
Portuguese scientists join major international space missions. They work with NASA and ESA on projects about exoplanets, solar physics, and deep space exploration.
Researchers here contribute to data analysis from space telescopes and planetary probes. Their expertise supports missions around the world.
The University of Porto and University of Lisbon both have advanced astronomy programs. These universities train new space scientists and run original research on topics like stellar evolution and galactic formation.
Portuguese astrophysicists publish in top scientific journals. Their work on solar activity monitoring and space weather prediction helps protect satellites and astronauts from radiation.
Portugal launched its first satellite, PoSAT-1, back in 1993. That milestone showed off Portuguese engineering skills and set the stage for future space projects.
Modern Portuguese companies now design and build satellite components for commercial and scientific missions. They focus on Earth observation systems, communications tech, and precision space instruments.
The country’s satellite expertise centers on maritime monitoring and climate research. Portuguese-built sensors track ocean conditions, monitor coastal changes, and support fisheries management from space.
Engineers from Portugal contribute to ESA satellite missions. Thanks to the country’s 20-year membership in the European Space Agency, they join spacecraft design, testing, and mission operations for major European programs.
Space tourism companies are finally opening up cosmic adventures to civilians with different physical abilities. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have built spacecraft with accessibility features for passengers who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.
Training Programs for All Abilities
Commercial spaceflight operators design training that adapts to physical differences. Passengers go through modified centrifuge sessions and zero-gravity prep that fits their needs.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule comes with wide entry doors and roomy interiors. The automated flight system makes things easier by removing complex pilot requirements.
Space tourism medical requirements aren’t as strict as those for professional astronauts. Companies mainly check cardiovascular health and basic stability—not peak athleticism.
Virgin Galactic works with passengers who have controlled medical conditions. Their medical teams look at each case individually to decide if someone can fly.
Spacecraft Design Features
| Company | Accessibility Features |
|---|---|
| Virgin Galactic | Large cabin windows, reclining seats, assisted boarding |
| Blue Origin | Automated systems, spacious capsule, minimal physical demands |
| SpaceX | Dragon capsule with life support systems, crew assistance |
Ground Support Services
Launch sites like Spaceport America offer wheelchair-accessible viewing areas and support facilities. Ground crews receive training so they can help passengers with different mobility needs during boarding.
Space hotels in development are planning for universal design. These orbital spots will use handholds, magnetic surfaces, and adaptive equipment for guests with physical limitations.
Portugal’s become a notable player in the European space sector with its Portugal Space 2030 strategy and new space agency. The country focuses on space-Earth-climate-ocean interactions while building up commercial satellite capabilities and growing international partnerships through the European Space Agency.
The Portuguese Space Agency, set up in 2019, carries out the Portugal Space 2030 national strategy. The agency wants Portugal to be seen as a world leader in space-Earth-climate-ocean interactions.
Portugal Space pushes for what officials call the “Democratization of Space.” They aim to bring space technology into the economy and society in a sustainable way, expanding the sector beyond public funding.
The agency treats space as a common good that benefits all sorts of sectors. Agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, urban development, transportation, maritime operations, tourism, banking, defense, security, and public health all stand to gain.
As of 2025, Portugal has 46 space travel companies. SPACEO stands out with strong support from the European Space Agency.
Portuguese companies take part in international space projects. They’re also landing more ESA contracts.
Portugal’s space ecosystem backs deep tech ventures. The country has really become a serious player in aerospace innovation thanks to these partnerships.
Portugal Space leads the country’s civilian outer space efforts. The government created the agency to put the national space strategy into action.
Job seekers can find opportunities through the agency’s work in developing Portugal’s space activities. The agency strengthens collaboration between the scientific community, international partners, and industry.
Portugal Space promotes research in understanding the universe, Earth sciences, and space exploration. These focus areas open up career paths for space professionals.
Portugal Space 2030 lays out the research, innovation, and growth plan for the country’s space sector. The strategy sets new targets for sector development through 2030.
Officials want Portugal to be seen as an Atlantic nation with a global maritime tradition. The idea is to be recognized worldwide for space-Earth-climate-ocean expertise, bringing benefits to society and the economy.
Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education Elvira Fortunato summed up the ambition. Portugal aims to become “a space nation by the end of this decade.”
The strategy sees opportunities for many sectors to benefit from space-based solutions. Weather forecasting, precision farming, banking, water management, forest fire monitoring, and archaeological investigations are all on the list.
There’s no specific information available about the latest New Space Atlantic Summit’s focus. Portugal keeps expanding its presence in European and international space activities.
The country has launched big plans for a Spaceport in the Azores. This move supports Portugal’s growing role in commercial space operations.
Portugal’s space initiatives tie into broader Atlantic region space development. The country keeps working to strengthen international partnerships in space exploration and commercial activities.
Portugal works closely with the European Space Agency on a bunch of contracts and projects. Each year, Portuguese companies land more ESA contracts, which is pretty impressive.
In January, the country launched its first commercial satellite, PoSat-2, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9. They named it in honor of PoSat-1, Portugal’s original satellite that went up back in 1993.
Students from the University of Minho developed PROMETHEUS-1, and they sent it up along with the commercial satellite. Portugal also kicked off the Atlantic Constellation project, which is now moving forward.
The Portuguese Space Agency brings together scientists from Portugal and connects them with partners abroad. This teamwork helps push forward our knowledge of the universe, Earth sciences, and space exploration, all within the EU’s frameworks.
