Marcia Arizaga, Communication Director at ALTER

As an expert in communication, how do you assess the work being done by Sevilla Capital Espacial Española to position Sevilla as an aerospace hub?

Sevilla Capital Espacial Española is undoubtedly an excellent initiative by the City Council of Sevilla and a prime example of how a well-defined institutional communication strategy can accelerate a city’s positioning in a highly competitive sector like space. It’s not just about making existing capabilities visible, but about crafting a coherent, ambitious, and credible narrative that connects all actors in the ecosystem and projects that image externally.

From a communication perspective, the initiative has successfully combined outreach, international projection, and a sense of pride and belonging—key elements for consolidating a hub. Sevilla not only communicates that it has capabilities, but demonstrates leadership, long-term vision, and a clear public commitment to space.

How has the Foro del Espacio and Sevilla Capital Espacial Española helped companies in the sector?

The Foro del Espacio has been a true catalyst. It has generated not only great ideas but also concrete initiatives with a real impact on Sevilla’s positioning. It has aligned interests, fostered collaboration between companies, institutions, universities, and technology centers, and, above all, moved from reflection to action.

Thanks to this collaborative platform, Sevilla’s current standing is no accident. Growth has been guided and sustained over time. For companies, being part of this ecosystem means gaining visibility, accessing strategic networks, and actively contributing to the development of a shared city project.

From your perspective as communication director of a leading company in the sector, what value do events like World Space Week bring to Sevilla and its space ecosystem?

World Space Week is a clear example of how Sevilla has turned a global initiative into a unique local identity. For the past eight years, the city has organized the largest number of activities in Spain during this week, involving companies, institutions, research centers, and universities.

This has a dual impact: it strengthens the ecosystem’s positioning among professionals, and it brings space closer to citizens—sparking vocations, fostering scientific culture, and engaging society in a strategic sector. The variety and quality of activities demonstrate the maturity of Sevilla’s ecosystem and its ability to work in a coordinated manner.

How is the national and international space sector perceiving Sevilla today?

The perception is clearly positive, recognizing the sustained effort and achievements. Today, Sevilla is seen as a city committed to space, with real capabilities and a strong institutional commitment.

The hosting of the Spanish Space Agency, the Ministerial Conference, the leadership of the Ariane Cities Community, the intense activity of the local ecosystem, and the City Council’s ongoing support have all been key milestones reinforcing this image. Internationally, Sevilla is no longer just an emerging player—it is a recognized reference on the European space map.

What is the most compelling story Sevilla can tell about space today?

The strongest narrative is that of a city that has built its space positioning in a coherent, collaborative, and long-term manner. Sevilla can claim that it has not arrived here by chance, but through years of joint work among government, companies, universities, and research centers.

It is the story of a city combining aerospace tradition, technological innovation, talent, and a clear political will to lead. A story of industrial capabilities, knowledge, outreach, and commitment to the future.

How has the presence of the Spanish Space Agency reinforced the narrative Sevilla was already building around space?

The Spanish Space Agency serves as both the culmination and recognition of Sevilla’s prior efforts. It is not a starting point, but confirmation that the path taken was correct.

Its presence strengthens the city’s leadership narrative, consolidates Sevilla’s international credibility, and acts as a catalyst for new opportunities, projects, and investments. Moreover, it provides stability and long-term projection for an ecosystem that was already thriving.

How are leading companies like ALTER contributing to this external positioning?

ALTER celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year, reflecting a solid, fully established trajectory in the space sector. It has a clear international vocation: most of its clients are outside Spain, and it regularly collaborates with the world’s main space agencies. Having the company’s headquarters in Sevilla, coordinating subsidiaries in Europe and the United States, strengthens the city’s external positioning as a hub for leading high-tech projects.

Additionally, ALTER generates highly qualified employment in Sevilla and maintains close ties with local universities, contributing to talent development, knowledge transfer, and specialized skill formation. In this way, leading companies like ALTER not only provide economic activity but also directly strengthen the local ecosystem, retain talent, and project Sevilla’s technical excellence internationally.

What should be the common overarching goal uniting all actors in Sevilla’s space ecosystem: Spanish Space Agency, Sevilla Capital Espacial Española, research centers, universities, and private companies?

The shared goal should be to consolidate Sevilla as a leading European space hub, based on real collaboration among all actors and a shared long-term vision. This means attracting and retaining talent, driving high-value projects, fostering knowledge transfer, and making space innovation a driver of economic and social development for the city. Aligning under a single narrative and strategy will allow Sevilla not just to grow, but to lead.

What headline would you like to see soon about Sevilla and space?

“The space ecosystem consolidates Sevilla as a hub for skilled employment and technological innovation.”

The city plays a central role in the national ecosystem, so growth, investment, and international projection of the sector directly impact its economic development and the creation of highly qualified jobs.

Spain’s recent consolidation as the fourth-largest power in the European Space Agency, with historic average investment of €455 million per year for 2026–2030—over 50% higher than the previous period—reinforces this trend. This commitment, totaling approximately €1.85 billion, not only strengthens technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness but also creates opportunities for companies, technology centers, and talent.

In this scenario, Sevilla is particularly well-positioned to capture part of that growth thanks to its consolidated ecosystem, the presence of the Spanish Space Agency, its industrial base, and its capacity to generate high-value innovation and employment. Therefore, the success of Spain’s space sector directly translates into real opportunities for the city, reinforcing its role as a driver of technological and economic development nationwide.