Canary Islands promotes aerospace strategy at international congress

The Canary Islands is promoting its Aerospace Strategy at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Turkey, aiming to position the archipelago as a global leader in the space sector. The strategy, which has a 2030 horizon, seeks to leverage the region's unique advantages, including its mid-Atlantic location, favorable climate, strategic geostrategy, scientific infrastructure, and specific tax regimes.

Led by David Pérez-Dionis, the delegation has held meetings with major industry players and institutions, including the European Space Agency (ESA), Thales Alenia Space, GMV, Indra, Swedish Space Corporation, Satrec Korea, and GTD. The roadmap extends beyond astronomy to include satellite constellation management, sea-based launch platforms, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for inter-island logistics.

The initiative aims to diversify the local economy through high-skilled employment and technological research. The government has already designated the aerospace sector as strategic for the islands, with 19 projects currently identified as strategic.