The Catalan NewSpace Strategy
- Paper number
IAC-23,E6,IPB,8,x78622
- Author
Mr. Josep Colomé Ferrer, Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Spain
- Coauthor
Prof. Ignasi Ribas, Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Daniel Sors Raurell, Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Lluís Foreman Campins, Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Spain
- Coauthor
Mrs. Veronica Tercero, Government of Catalonia, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Guillermo Villuendas, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Pol Guixe, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Sergi Figuerola, i2CAT, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Jordi Corbera, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Julià Talaya, Spain
- Year
2023
- Abstract
The Catalonia NewSpace Strategy is a comprehensive plan fostered by the Government of Catalonia to promote the development of the NewSpace industry in the region, strategically connecting the space sector to an already cutting-edge digital ecosystem. The strategy aims to create a thriving space ecosystem to support the growth of New Space startups, promote innovation, facilitate the exploitation of space-related data to generate products and services, and create high-quality jobs in the region. The Strategy is led by the Catalan government together with the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC) and the Internet Research Center (i2CAT). The NewSpace sector is a priority for the Government of Catalonia. The NewSpace Strategy was approved in October 2020 to take advantage of the maturity of the Catalan space ecosystem, and addresses diverse strategic pillars, including creating a regional hub to support research and development in the space domain, establishing a regulatory framework to support the growth of the industry, fostering the industrial competitiveness and the NewSpace ecosystem, pipelining talent from universities to the NewSpace sector, developing innovative infrastructure through PPPs, adopting new services exploiting space-related data to solve industrial and public administration needs and the internationalisation of the Catalan NewSpace ecosystem within Europe and globally. In addition, two small satellite missions were contracted and have already been launched (Enxaneta and Menut) for 5G-NB and EO purposes. The satellites also count with IODs on advanced on-board data processing technologies. The two missions brought together the public and private sectors, enforcing collaboration and development of space technologies as well as facilitating the emergence of new space-derived services, with a positive impact on society. Catalonia is already a leading region in terms of economic development and industrial competitiveness in Europe. With 0.1\% of the planet's population, Catalonia accounts for 1\% worldwide and 3.7 \% of EU-28 scientific production. The region benefits from a dynamic, industrial, and diverse economy, making it a great location for innovation, entrepreneurship and R&D activities. This paper will review the impact and progress of the NewSpace Strategy, including current collaborations with space and non-space stakeholders in the region as well as established space companies and other international actors. Key initiatives, programmes, lessons learned and success stories will be highlighted to showcase best practices for inspiration and as an example for other regions with similar intentions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-23,E6,IPB,8,x78622.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.