Portugal Space Ambitions Launching in 2023!
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Loading... - Graca Alessandro
- 23 Mar 2023
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Portugal has ambitious plans for 2023 space exploration and development, including establishing a spaceport in the Azores.
Chris Lehto from The Portugal News was invited to the 15th Annual European Space Conference in Brussels, 24-25 Jan 2023. The big theme of the Conference was securing a future in Space for the European Union. Now the 4th largest Space Blok behind the US, China, and Russia, the EU zone pulled in 8.6 billion Euros in 2021, according to Anna Christman, Coordinator for German Aerospace Policy.
During the opening keynote address, Director General for European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher said, "the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call for Europe...similar to a 911 event. Aschbacher said on the eve of Russia's attack, a simple denial of cyber service attack blinded ESA's satellite systems, leaving Europe in the dark.
Thomas Dermine, in charge of Economic Recovery and Science Policy, said, "Fear is a great motivator, and unfortunately, if we want investment in space, we may need to use this emotional response to get people invested." The picture painted at the Conference was Europe falling behind.
Newer, innovative, risk-taking companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX outperform the European industry. SpaceX has been operating reusable rockets for over a decade, while Europe's reusable rockets are still video renders. Innovative Government Programs in other Nations, such as the US, enable new companies to innovate by getting out of the way.
Portugal was one of the few shining examples of forward-thinking and risk-taking at the Conference. Portugal is invariably connected to the Ocean, and the country's small size allows a different perspective from the rest of Europe. Portugal finds itself in the unique position to move quickly and boldly into the Space Industry. Read More…
