The Administration is a priority user and, at the same time, the main investor in media of a spatial nature. This implies the interrelationship of numerous actors at the national level (regional and local administrations, scientific community, business sector, etc.). and international (European Commission, European Space Agency, EUMETSAT, EU Space Agency, among others).
This interrelationship is highly complex and requires experienced technical and managerial skills that must be accompanied by strong political action and a high level of representation that guarantees adequate dialogue before international bodies.
The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) aims to ensure the development and implementation of a coherent national space policy, as well as to optimize the management of economic resources dedicated by Spain to space activities.
The creation of the ESA is recognized in the National Security Strategy 2021, and its creation is authorized in Law 17/2022, of September 5, which modifies Law 14/2011, of June 1, on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Within this framework, the creation of the ESA is established as a guarantee of strategic action, sustainability, continuity and coordination of the various actions and policies promoted by the Government in the space sector.
The PREPA is a clear commitment to this key sector for the future of the country, in terms of contribution to GDP, quality employment, high technological capabilities, technological autonomy, as well as information to support decision-making. This will allow us to articulate the response to the different challenges that constitute the profound transformations facing the sector.
Organisation of the ESA
The ESA is organized into four bodies:
- Organ of government. Formed by the Presidency and the Governing Council.
- Executive organ. Constituted by the General Directorate, Directorates and the Office of Space and Society.
- Control organ. Formed by the Control Commission and the Permanent Commission.
- Advisory bodies. Composed of the Directorate Support Committees.
So far, two meetings of the Governing Council and the Constitutive Session of the Standing Committee have been held.
Execution and results
In December 2022, the Council of Ministers adopted the decision that Seville should be the seat of the future ESA, being considered the most suitable candidacy for the operational needs of that agency, among 21 candidacies presented. The candidacy of Seville, supported by the Junta de Andalucía, presents an excellent headquarters valued at 6.7 million euros and ceded to the Agency free of charge by the City Council, equipped and according to the requirements with a unique building and exclusive use already available and suitable for the activity. The city of Seville provides the building of the Advanced Business Resources Center (CREA), with all the necessary equipment: meeting rooms and videoconferences, parking, multifunctional spaces, provision of digital communications and infrastructure to guarantee security.
On March 8, 2023, Royal Decree 158/2023 was published, approving the Statute of the State Agency "Spanish Space Agency".
Among her first activities, the Minister of Science and Innovation, as president of the ESA, signed in August 2023, the agreement for assistance of the European Space Agency (ESA) to Spain on the observation of the Earth (Atlantic Constellation).