Portugal space industry adds €2.4 bn to economy as Greece launches fire‑monitoring satellite network

A study commissioned by the Portuguese Space Agency (PTSpace) estimates that every euro generated by Portugal’s space activities creates an additional €1.17 through supply‑chain effects and household spending, resulting in a total economic output of €2.4 billion over the 2019‑2024 period. Direct contributions to Gross Domestic Product amount to €1.2 billion, with more than 150 space‑related entities—most of them small and medium‑sized firms—operating in Lisbon, Coimbra and the Porto region. The report highlights Portugal’s strategic Atlantic location, especially the Azores, and its growing capabilities across the full space‑value chain, while noting financing gaps that need to be addressed through a 2040 strategy.

Meanwhile, Greece has become the first country to integrate a dedicated constellation of four small satellites built by Germany’s OroraTech for national wildfire monitoring. Launched in May, the satellites carry thermal sensors that can detect fires as small as four metres and relay AI‑processed alerts to fire‑service commanders in real time. The system, funded by a €200 million European Union programme, aims to improve response to increasingly severe Mediterranean fires and will be expanded with additional radar and optical satellites by the end of the year.