Complementary Plans are a new instrument aimed at establishing collaborations with the Autonomous Regions in R&D&I actions that have common objectives based on interests reflected in state and regional Intelligent Specialisation Strategies. The idea is to create synergies, align the execution of funds and establish common priorities.
The Complementary Plans that affect the scope of action of PERTE Aerospace 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 highly secure communications network, resistant to any computational attack, whether by classical or quantum means. This line is fuelled by hardware developments for quantum communications, considering both technologies with greater ease of network integration and industrialisation, and those optimal for long distances and free space, including 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 focuses on the development of quantum repeaters and technology that could be embedded in satellite missions.
Biodiversity
One of the main lines of action of the Complementary Biodiversity Plan aims to promote an innovation and industrial development hub using new disruptive technologies in the aerospace field, such as satellite and pseudo-satellite platforms (HAPS) and aerial (UAV) and marine drones (USV-ROB), for Earth observation and the collection, processing and smart data analysis, data economy, for the improvement and smart management of services provided by public administrations and, simultaneously, others services provided by private entities.
This objective is closely related to lines of action in the aerospace field currently under development in the Autonomous Regions of Galicia and the Canary Islands within the framework of the Civil UAV’s Initiative and the Canarias Geo Innovation Program 2030.
Advanced materials
The Complementary Plan on Advanced Materials proposes the study of nanomaterials with advanced functionalities, including graphene and other 2D materials, smart materials and nanostructured materials that can be directly applied in strategic sectors, including the development of multifunctional and smart materials and devices for the aeronautical sector.
This line of action aims to generate two TRL4/5 demonstrators for a sustainable mobility sector (automotive, railway and aeronautics) component that incorporate advanced materials capable of structural monitoring.
Astrophysics and high-energy physics
The Complementary Plan in Astrophysics and High-Energy Physics is designed for a qualitative leap in Spanish participation in the next generation of leading international projects in astrophysics and high-energy physics, with particular emphasis on the most technological aspects.
Two of the lines of action of this Complementary Plan are directly related to the aerospace secto:
- The first is to develop, with participation of the Spanish industry, cutting-edge scientific instrumentation in astronomy and space missions of astrophysical interest.
- The second aims to develop key small satellite subsystems 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 Montsec Observatory ground station and knowledge inherited from the Gaia mission.
Execution and results
The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities has signed Framework agreements for all complementary plans related to the aerospace sector. Funds have also been transferred to the Autonomous Regions for execution. The first scientific monitoring report is expected to be available by the end of 2023.