Juan Carlos Cortés (AEE): “Without launchers, there is no space sector”
The director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido, highlighted at the New Defense and Space Forum that the Miura 5 will be one of the most competitive European launchers due to its “costs and approach.”
He also emphasized Spain’s leadership in launchers, thanks to its participation in Ariane 6, the EAC rocket, and the development of Miura 5, capable of carrying 500 kg of payload.
In addition, Cortés stated that Spain is very close to placing its own satellite into orbit, a decisive step toward space autonomy. In this regard, he confirmed that, in this first phase, launches will be carried out from the Kourou spaceport (French Guiana), without ruling out the possibility of a national launch site in the future.
He also addressed strategic projects such as Bromo, the merger between Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, created with the aim of competing with international initiatives such as Elon Musk’s Starlink, and supported by the Agency as the most suitable solution. He likewise noted the partnership between Indra and Hispasat, which he considers an opportunity to strengthen the country’s industrial and integration capabilities.
Finally, he concluded by stating that defense will be a key element in the future of the space sector.
Source: InfoEspacial
