The IV Meeting on SmallSats: “2025 โ A Year of Strategic Definitions for the Space Sector” was held under the direction of Juan Tomรกs Hernani, CEO of SATLANTIS, and Ignacio Mares, M&A at SATLANTIS, Course Secretary,ย as part of the Summer Courses of the Menรฉndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) at Palacio de la Magdalena, in Santander (Cantabria, Spain) on June 24โ25, 2025.
The fourth edition of the Meeting on SmallSats [๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ โ2025: Aรฑo de Definiciones Estratรฉgicas para el Sector Espacialโ], brought together key stakeholders from the space sector for two intensive days of high-level discussion. Hosted within the prestigious Summer Courses of the Universidad Internacional Menรฉndez Pelayo (UIMP), the event provided a unique platform for strategic reflection at a moment of critical importance for Spain and Europeโs presence in space.
Held under Chatham House rules, the forum gathered national and international representatives from space agencies [such as the Agencia Espacial Espaรฑola – AEE, European Space Agency – ESA] scientific institutions, and leading SMEs. Delegates from Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, contributed to a forward-looking dialogue on the future of satellite constellations, technological autonomy, industrialization, and competitiveness within the European space ecosystem.
Spainโs growing role in the space sector was a central theme throughout the event. While the country awaits key decisions on the configuration of its national constellations, it already boasts a robust and dynamic industrial ecosystem. Several fats-growing Spanish companies, many of which did not exist a decade ago, have surpassed 200 employees and are actively contributing to European programs.
The conversations also explored the synergy between current constellation initiatives across the continent, and the strategic opportunities they present for collaboration. In this context, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination and investment to strengthen Europeโs leadership in Earth observation and space innovation.
The agenda spanned the entire value chain, from access to space to satellite operations, highlighting the need to transition from R&D to full industrial deployment. Central to the conversation were also questions of autonomy in critical technologies and the strategic positioning of Spain ahead of upcoming European ministerial decisions.
The IV Meeting on SmallSats confirmed its role as a key forum for Spainโs space sector – not only as a national milestone but also as a meaningful contributor to the European and global debate on the future of space.
We thank all participants for their invaluable contributions, the Universidad Internacional Menรฉndez Pelayo for their continued support, and look forward to the next edition, with partners and even greater ambitions!
Juan Tomรกs Hernani (CEO SATLANTIS); Jean Jacques Dordain (ex DG ESA); Juan Carlos Cortรฉs (DG AEE)
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย FOTO: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce
