Portugal's ambitions in the space sector have taken a significant step forward, thanks to the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium (ASC). On September 27 and 28, 2024, the ASC successfully launched two atmospheric rockets from Santa Maria Island, located 1,500 kilometers off Portugal’s coast in the Azores. These launches signal a new chapter in Portugal's space exploration and demonstrate the country's growing capacity in the space industry.


The Vision Behind ASC and Santa Maria Spaceport

Founded in 2020, the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium is spearheading efforts to develop a commercial spaceport on Santa Maria Island. The goal is to establish a fully operational spaceport that can support commercial satellite launches, suborbital and atmospheric research, and potentially larger-scale orbital launches in the future. As part of these efforts, ASC has been collaborating with NAV Portugal, the national airspace management authority, to set the regulatory framework for future launches, including exclusion zones and safety protocols.

This recent launch was not just a technical demonstration but a showcase of Portugal’s growing expertise in space technology. According to Bruno Carvalho, ASC Director, "We wanted to demonstrate that the operational competency to launch and recover this type of rocket, as well as the industrial capacity to develop and manufacture them, exists in Portugal." The launch marks an important step in the consortium’s strategy to make Portugal a key player in the global commercial space launch market.


Details of the Rocket Launches

The rocket used for both test flights was the GAMA, a 3.35-metre rocket designed, manufactured, and operated by ASC. The first launch occurred on September 27, 2024, at 13:04 UTC, reaching an altitude of 5,596 meters. The second flight took place on September 28, 2024, at 11:49 UTC. While ASC mentioned that the second flight was "not perfect," the lack of detailed information suggests that the mission may have encountered minor technical challenges.

Despite the slight hiccup, the successful demonstration of GAMA is a clear indication of Portugal’s capability to develop and operate rockets. Moreover, these launches helped test the initial guidelines for the spaceport, including safety zones and flight protocols, setting the stage for larger, more complex missions in the future.


The Future of Portugal’s Space Sector

The success of these launches is a significant step towards realizing ASC's long-term vision of building a commercial spaceport on Santa Maria Island. With continued development, the consortium aims to refine its operational procedures, paving the way for larger orbital rockets capable of reaching space. The potential for regular space launches from the Azores places Portugal in an advantageous position, given its geographic location and growing technical expertise.

By establishing a commercial spaceport, ASC is not only contributing to Portugal’s space industry but also positioning the Azores as a hub for suborbital and atmospheric launches. This could have profound economic implications for the region, driving investment, innovation, and technological development.


Portugal's Role on the Global Space Stage

Portugal’s strategic investment in space is part of a broader ambition to join the ranks of leading spacefaring nations. The country’s efforts, as exemplified by the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, aim to attract global partnerships, enhance industrial capabilities, and promote the nation as a desirable location for space-related activities. These initial demonstrations are likely to garner further interest and investment from international stakeholders, eager to collaborate with Portugal in the burgeoning space market.

As Portugal continues to grow its presence in the space sector, the country is proving that it has the ambition, the capacity, and the resources to play a significant role in the future of space exploration and commercialization.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes