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 in Madrid, organised by the Spanish Space Agency on 15 and 16 September. AIR Centre’s Deputy Executive Director, Mafalda Carapuço, represented the organisation alongside heads of space agencies, universities, research centres and industry from across the Ibero-American community.

The meeting was held under the Ibero-American Network of Space Agencies, created in Lisbon in 2024 with the Organisation of Ibero-American States as its technical secretariat. Two years later, the network has grown into a platform that links government agencies, academia and industry around shared priorities in the space sector.

Discussions covered legal frameworks for space activity, the use of Earth observation data for disaster prevention, new opportunities for international cooperation, and challenges in satellite operations. The first day included a visit to ESA facilities, giving participants a chance to learn more about European missions and operational capabilities before the closing session. The meeting's conclusions will feed into the network's next work plan and the agenda of the upcoming XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government.

For the AIR Centre, the meeting underscored the growing alignment between Atlantic and Ibero-American cooperation, particularly where space, climate, and ocean observation intersect. As an associated member of the network, the AIR Centre brought its experience in connecting institutions across the Atlantic and in turning shared data into research that benefits coastal and ocean communities.

[PC, 15 September 2026]