The Complementary Plans are a new instrument aimed at establishing collaborations with the CCAA in R+D+I actions that have common objectives based on interests reflected in the State and Autonomous Intelligent Specialization Strategies. It is about creating synergies, aligning the execution of funds and establishing common priorities.
The Complementary Plans that affect the scope of action of the Aerospace PERTE are those of Quantum communication, Biodiversity, Advanced materials and Astrophysics and high-energy physics.
Quantum communication
The general objective of the Complementary Plan in Quantum Communication is the creation of a high-security communications network, resistant to any computational attack, whether by classical or quantum means. This line is fed by hardware developments for quantum communications, considering both technologies with greater ease of network integration and industrialization, as well as those optimal for long distances and free space, which includes satellites for very long distance communications and communications with unmanned aerial vehicles. In this context, one of the lines of action of this Complementary Plan is focused on the development of quantum repeaters and technology that could be embarked on satellite missions.
Biodiversity
One of the main lines of action of the Complementary Plan on Biodiversity is aimed at promoting a pole of innovation and industrial development, using new disruptive technologies in the aerospace field, such as satellite, pseudo-satellite platforms () and aerial drones (UAV) and marine drones (USV-ROB), for earth observation and the obtaining, processing and intelligent analysis of data, data economy, for the improvement and intelligent management of services provided by public administrations and, simultaneously, of other services provided by private entities.
This objective is closely related to lines of action in the aerospace field that are being developed in the Autonomous Communities of Galicia and the Canary Islands within the framework of the Civil UAV’s Initiative and the Canary Islands Geo Innovation Program 2030.
Advanced materials
The Complementary Plan in Advanced Materials proposes the study of nanomaterials with advanced functionalities, including graphene and other 2D materials, intelligent materials and nanostructured materials that can have direct application in strategic sectors, including the development of multifunctional and intelligent materials and devices for the aeronautical sector.
The objective of this line of action is to generate two TRL 4/5 demonstrators of a component of the sustainable mobility sector (automotive, railway and aeronautics) that incorporate advanced materials with structural monitoring capacity.
Astrophysics and high-energy physics
The Complementary Plan in Astrophysics and High-Energy Physics is designed to make a qualitative leap in Spanish participation in the next generation of leading international projects in astrophysics and high-energy physics, with a particular emphasis on the most technological aspects.
Two of the lines of action of this Complementary Plan are directly related to the aerospace sector:
- The first is aimed at the development, with the participation of the Spanish industry, of cutting-edge scientific instrumentation in astronomy and space missions of astrophysical interest.
- The second aims to develop key subsystems of small satellites as part of the Spanish contribution to the ESA/Comet Interceptor mission, as well as the complete design, integration, verification and launch of a CubeSat, using the ground station of the Montsec Observatory and the knowledge inherited from the Gaia mission.
Execution and results
Since the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Framework Agreements of all the complementary plans related to the aerospace sector have been signed. In addition, the funds have been transferred to the Autonomous Communities for execution. The first scientific monitoring report is expected to be available by the end of 2023.