Space Agencies shape regional priorities at the II Ibero-American Meeting in Madrid

The AIR Centre took part in the II Ibero-American Space Agencies Meeting (RIAE) in Madrid, organised by the Spanish Space Agency on 15 and 16 September 2026. Mafalda Carapuço, the AIR Centre’s Deputy Executive Director, represented the organisation alongside leaders from space agencies, universities, research centres and industry across the Ibero-American community.

Held under the Red Iberoamericana de Agencias Espaciales, with the Organisation of Ibero-American States (OEI) as its technical secretariat, the meeting reviewed progress made since the network’s creation in 2024 and prepared contributions for the upcoming XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government. Discussions focused on shared priorities such as space weather, sustainability, Earth observation, satellite connectivity and the consolidation of a legal framework for the sector.

The sessions also addressed emerging technological and regulatory challenges, from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to advanced data analysis. The first day concluded with a visit to ESA facilities, where participants learned more about European missions and operational capabilities.

For the AIR Centre, the meeting reinforced the growing alignment between Atlantic and Ibero-American cooperation in areas where space, climate and ocean observation intersect.

[PC, 17 September 2026]