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Welcome Note
The Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Space) is an entity acting under the direct dependency of the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, with the goal of manage and coordinate all the infrastructures and technical or scientific activities, directly or indirectly related to Space or the aerospace sector, to be developed in the Azores, and to ensure the implementation and monitoring of the “Azores Strategy for Space”
Government Council Resolution 106/2022 de 13 de junho de 2022
"Azores, the Atlantic hub for space."
Nota de Imprensa
October 14, 2026
Over 500 students participated in World Space Week in the Azores
The Government of the Azores marked World Space Week 2026 with the participation of more than 520 students from the islands of Pico and Faial in activities organised by the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, through the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA – Space), further promoting the engagement of young Azoreans with science, technology and the space sector. “Over 500 students had the opportunity to directly engage with topics related to space, scientific research and careers in technology, an initiative that helps to inspire vocations and bring young Azoreans closer to a sector of growing international importance,” stated the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão. The initiative involved around 240 students on the island of Faial and approximately 280 pupils on the island of Pico, reaching students in Years 4, 5 and 7 through sessions held at the Horta Basic Education School, Manuel de Arriaga Basic Education and Secondary School, and the three schools in the municipalities of Pico Island. The sessions were led by researcher Vera Fernandes, the first Portuguese scientist to take part in a scientific mission to Antarctica. She spoke about her academic and professional career, as well as her research experiences in extreme environments. With these accounts, students had the opportunity to understand the link between science conducted on Earth and space exploration challenges. Over the week, hundreds of young people deepened their knowledge in the fields of science, technology and innovation, discovering the importance of scientific research for a better understanding of the planet and the universe. The activities also sought to stimulate curiosity, critical thinking and an interest in STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The high level of participation and the interest shown by the students highlighted the importance of these initiatives in promoting scientific and technological literacy amongst younger generations, fostering a culture that values knowledge and innovation. The organisation of World Space Week is part of the Azorean Government’s strategy to strengthen the scientific and technological skills of younger generations by promoting direct contact with professionals and researchers working in fields of the future and encouraging closer ties between the school community and the regional space ecosystem. With this initiative, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to continuing to invest in science communication and empowering the younger generation, thereby creating opportunities for young Azoreans to learn about, participate in, and draw inspiration from the major scientific and technological challenges of the present and the future.
October 14, 2026
Over 500 students participated in World Space Week in the Azores
The Government of the Azores marked World Space Week 2026 with the participation of more than 520 students from the islands of Pico and Faial in activities organised by the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, through the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA – Space), further promoting the engagement of young Azoreans with science, technology and the space sector. “Over 500 students had the opportunity to directly engage with topics related to space, scientific research and careers in technology, an initiative that helps to inspire vocations and bring young Azoreans closer to a sector of growing international importance,” stated the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão. The initiative involved around 240 students on the island of Faial and approximately 280 pupils on the island of Pico, reaching students in Years 4, 5 and 7 through sessions held at the Horta Basic Education School, Manuel de Arriaga Basic Education and Secondary School, and the three schools in the municipalities of Pico Island. The sessions were led by researcher Vera Fernandes, the first Portuguese scientist to take part in a scientific mission to Antarctica. She spoke about her academic and professional career, as well as her research experiences in extreme environments. With these accounts, students had the opportunity to understand the link between science conducted on Earth and space exploration challenges. Over the week, hundreds of young people deepened their knowledge in the fields of science, technology and innovation, discovering the importance of scientific research for a better understanding of the planet and the universe. The activities also sought to stimulate curiosity, critical thinking and an interest in STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The high level of participation and the interest shown by the students highlighted the importance of these initiatives in promoting scientific and technological literacy amongst younger generations, fostering a culture that values knowledge and innovation. The organisation of World Space Week is part of the Azorean Government’s strategy to strengthen the scientific and technological skills of younger generations by promoting direct contact with professionals and researchers working in fields of the future and encouraging closer ties between the school community and the regional space ecosystem. With this initiative, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to continuing to invest in science communication and empowering the younger generation, thereby creating opportunities for young Azoreans to learn about, participate in, and draw inspiration from the major scientific and technological challenges of the present and the future.
Nota de Imprensa
May 20, 2026
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired today the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço) and the Association for the Development and Training of the Azores Sea (ADFMA), the entity responsible for managing the Azores Maritime School. The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, was also present at the session. The agreement aims to promote structural synergies between the space and maritime sectors, establishing the Autonomous Region of the Azores as an integrated Atlantic ecosystem for technological innovation. According to Paulo Estêvão, who is responsible for the space sector within the Azorean Government, the joining of forces between both entities enhances the Region’s geostrategic value. Reiterating the importance of the regional commitment, Paulo Estêvão pointed out “the strategic advantages that come with the creation of a space ecosystem in the Azores. He pointed out that this will highlight the importance of the archipelago, which was already, from a maritime standpoint, very important, and which is now being reinforced in a new sector as important as space.” One of the key priorities of the agreement now signed is the functional expansion of the future Azores Technology Free Zone (ZLT) to the island of Santa Maria. The Azores Maritime School will actively collaborate in boosting the maritime component of this infrastructure, creating operational conditions for conducting technological trials, ocean-space testbeds, demonstrations of technologies applied to both sectors, and other relevant activities. The partnership also focuses on technical and operational capacity building, promoting training initiatives that apply space technology to the blue economy. Key training areas include Earth observation, satellite navigation, use of drones and autonomous systems, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and digital mapping. In terms of research and innovation, the document provides for the development of direct applications for sustainability and the ocean economy. The collaboration aims to leverage the use of spatial data for coastal and ocean monitoring, marine pollution detection, fisheries and aquaculture support, smart port management, ocean-climate observation, creation of digital twins of the ocean, civil protection and natural hazard monitoring, as well as maritime spatial planning and management. EMA-Space remains responsible for the strategic coordination and framework of the space dimension, whilst ADFMA ensures operationalisation, capacity building and the application of technology to the maritime sector. For ADFMA, as represented by the President of the Board of Directors, Ana Rodrigues, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the institution’s role in innovation within the maritime sector. “Establishing this partnership enables us to integrate cutting-edge knowledge and technology in the maritime sector, reinforcing our mission to train highly qualified professionals who are prepared for the emerging challenges of the blue economy,” she emphasised. With this joint initiative, the Regional Government is establishing the archipelago as a centre of excellence and an international benchmark in the convergence of space and the ocean.
May 20, 2026
Paulo Estêvão chaired signing of strategic agreement between EMA-Space and Azores Maritime School
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired today the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço) and the Association for the Development and Training of the Azores Sea (ADFMA), the entity responsible for managing the Azores Maritime School. The Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, was also present at the session. The agreement aims to promote structural synergies between the space and maritime sectors, establishing the Autonomous Region of the Azores as an integrated Atlantic ecosystem for technological innovation. According to Paulo Estêvão, who is responsible for the space sector within the Azorean Government, the joining of forces between both entities enhances the Region’s geostrategic value. Reiterating the importance of the regional commitment, Paulo Estêvão pointed out “the strategic advantages that come with the creation of a space ecosystem in the Azores. He pointed out that this will highlight the importance of the archipelago, which was already, from a maritime standpoint, very important, and which is now being reinforced in a new sector as important as space.” One of the key priorities of the agreement now signed is the functional expansion of the future Azores Technology Free Zone (ZLT) to the island of Santa Maria. The Azores Maritime School will actively collaborate in boosting the maritime component of this infrastructure, creating operational conditions for conducting technological trials, ocean-space testbeds, demonstrations of technologies applied to both sectors, and other relevant activities. The partnership also focuses on technical and operational capacity building, promoting training initiatives that apply space technology to the blue economy. Key training areas include Earth observation, satellite navigation, use of drones and autonomous systems, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring and digital mapping. In terms of research and innovation, the document provides for the development of direct applications for sustainability and the ocean economy. The collaboration aims to leverage the use of spatial data for coastal and ocean monitoring, marine pollution detection, fisheries and aquaculture support, smart port management, ocean-climate observation, creation of digital twins of the ocean, civil protection and natural hazard monitoring, as well as maritime spatial planning and management. EMA-Space remains responsible for the strategic coordination and framework of the space dimension, whilst ADFMA ensures operationalisation, capacity building and the application of technology to the maritime sector. For ADFMA, as represented by the President of the Board of Directors, Ana Rodrigues, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the institution’s role in innovation within the maritime sector. “Establishing this partnership enables us to integrate cutting-edge knowledge and technology in the maritime sector, reinforcing our mission to train highly qualified professionals who are prepared for the emerging challenges of the blue economy,” she emphasised. With this joint initiative, the Regional Government is establishing the archipelago as a centre of excellence and an international benchmark in the convergence of space and the ocean.
