The IV Meeting on SmallSats: “2025 – A Year of Strategic Definitions for the Space Sector” was held under the direction of Juan Tomás Hernani, CEO of SATLANTIS, and Ignacio Mares, M&A at SATLANTIS, Course Secretary, as part of the Summer Courses of the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) at Palacio de la Magdalena, in Santander (Cantabria, Spain) on June 24–25, 2025.
The fourth edition of the Meeting on SmallSats [𝐈𝐕 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐬 “2025: Año de Definiciones Estratégicas para el Sector Espacial”], 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 Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP), the event provided a unique platform for strategic reflection at a moment of critical importance for Spain and Europe’s presence in space.
Held under Chatham House rules, the forum gathered national and international representatives from space agencies [such as the Agencia Espacial Española – 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.
Spain’s 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 Europe’s 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 Spain’s 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 Menéndez Pelayo for their continued support, and look forward to the next edition, with partners and even greater ambitions!
Juan Tomás Hernani (CEO SATLANTIS); Jean Jacques Dordain (ex DG ESA); Juan Carlos Cortés (DG AEE)
FOTO: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce
