The Administration is a priority user and, at the same time, the main investor in space media. This involves the interrelationship of numerous actors at national level (regional and local administrations, scientific community, business sector, etc.) and international level (European Commission, European Space Agency, EUMETSAT, EU Agency for the Space Programme, etc.).
This interrelationship is highly complex and requires experienced technical and management skills that must be accompanied by strong political action and a high level of representation to ensure adequate dialogue with international bodies.
The objective of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is to ensure the development and execution of a coherent national space policy, as well as to optimise the management of economic resources dedicated by Spain to space activities.
The creation of the AEE is recognised in the 2021 National Security Strategy, and its creation is authorised in Act 17/2022, of 5 September, amending Act 14/2011, of 1 June, on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Within this framework, the creation of the AEE stands as a guarantee of strategic action, sustainability, continuity and coordination of the different actions and policies promoted by the Government in the space sector.
The AEE represents a clear commitment to this key sector for the country's future in terms of contribution to GDP, quality employment, high technological capacities, technological autonomy, as well as information to support decision-making. This will make it possible to articulate the response to the different challenges involved in the profound transformations facing the sector.
AEE Organisation
La AEE se estructura organizativamente en cuatro órganos:
- Governing body. Formed by the Presidency and the Governing Council.
- Executive body. Consisting of the General Directorate, Divisions and the Space and Society OfficeÓrgano de control.
- Supervisory body. Formed by the Supervisory Committee and the Standing Committee.
- Advisory bodies. Consisting of the Division Support Committees.
So far, two meetings of the Governing Council and the Founding 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 AEE as it was considered the most suitable candidate for the operational needs of that agency, out of 21 applications submitted. The Seville candidacy, backed by the Regional Government of Andalusia, has an excellent headquarters valued at 6.7 million euros and granted to the Agency at no cost by the City Council, equipped and in accordance with the requirements, with a unique building for exclusive use now available and suitable for the activity. The city of Seville provides the Centre for Advanced Business Resources (CREA) building with all the necessary equipment: meeting and video conference rooms, parking, multifunctional spaces, digital communications equipment and infrastructure to ensure security.
Framework Act 158/2023, was published on 8 March 2023, approving the Bylaws of the “Spanish Space Agency” State Agency.
As one of her first activities and as president of the AAE, the Minister of Science and Innovation signed in August 2023 the agreement for assistance from the European Space Agency (ESA) to Spain regarding Earth observation (Atlantic Constellation).