Azores part of Portugal's largest ever contribution to European Space Agency - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Azores are part of the country's effort in what is Portugal's largest ever contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA), an announcement made on the eve of the entity's Ministerial Council, to be held in Germany.

One of the missions financed by the overall financial effort of €204.8 million for the 2026-2030 period is "Space Rider." It involves the development of a reusable space vehicle for conducting scientific experiments in microgravity and testing service technologies for other space missions, whose return location will be on the island of Santa Maria.

"2026 and 2027 will be decisive years for this sector, and the Azores will establish themselves in space matters," stated Paulo Estêvão, Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, who oversees the space sector.

The government official added that the regional contribution amounts to three million Euros, representing 1.5% of the national contribution, covering the areas of Science and Innovation, Defence, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment.

"Space Rider" is an ESA project that will provide Europe with viable transport for space operations to and from space, ensuring that European industry has the capacity to open up new markets.

The creation of a landing site in Santa Maria is a central element in Portugal's support for the "Space Rider" project. The infrastructure will have a landing control centre, as well as a payload processing and analysis platform with highly specialised facilities and expertise.

"Space Rider" is an ESA project that will provide Europe with viable transport for space operations to and from space, ensuring that European industry has the capacity to open up new markets.

The creation of a landing site in Santa Maria is a central element in Portugal's support for the "Space Rider" project. The infrastructure will have a landing control centre, as well as a payload processing and analysis platform with highly specialised facilities and expertise.

Paulo Estêvão stressed that this is a "strategic and decisive sector" for the Azores, which has been the subject of ongoing contacts between the Regional Government, with the direct involvement of the President of the Government, and the National Government.

In addition to "Space Rider,"  another component of the development of the space sector, also in Santa Maria, involves suborbital and, later, orbital launches, which will lead to the future launch of satellites.

The ESA Ministerial Council will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in Bremen, bringing together the 23 ESA Member States, associated countries and the European Commission.