Space Tech | madrimasd

Space Tech in the Community of Madrid

Madrid is positioned in the top 5 at the European level,

with technologies such as artificial intelligence and new materials driving innovation.

Sustained growth is expected in areas such as Earth Observation,

Satellite Communications, and Space Exploration.

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Madrid, a preferred place for international Space companies

The Community of Madrid has established itself as a nerve centre for the space industry, representing a strategic platform in Europe. The main companies in the sector are located around two main poles of innovation: the Getafe hub with companies specialising in earth observation technologies, launch vehicle components and satellite manufacturing technology gravitate, and the Tres Cantos space hub, with companies specialising in satellite communication.

Driving Companies that have made significant investments in infrastructure and innovation centres in the region such as GMV, Airbus Defence & Space and Thales Alenia Space are leading the manufacture of satellites, navigation systems and aerospace components.

The Region concentrates key institutions such as the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) facilities and the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC). Reference centres such as the Centre for Astrobiology (CAB), a joint center of the CSIC and INTA in collaboration with NASA and ESA, mainly dedicated to research on the origin, evolution and search for life beyond Earth, offer opportunities for training and research in space missions.

The Cluster of Technological Innovation and Talent (CITT) in Space brings together all the agents involved to support research and innovation.

Advanced infrastructures are also located in the Community of Madrid, such as the Deep Space Communications Complex (MDSCC), located in Robledo de Chavela and operated by INTA, a fundamental ground station for communications with deep space missions.

National and European Space Funds are related to sustainable space technology and the improvement of global connectivity. The Spanish national PERTE Aerospace programme mobilises around 4.5b euros to promote R+D+i in the aeronautical and space sector.

Concentration of Talent and Human Capital

The Region of Madrid stands out for its educational and research infrastructure. The Community of Madrid has centres specialising in this industry which promote research and innovation in the sector with the most advanced space technology like the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, master's degree in space systems and participation in European space projects in collaboration with ESA; Carlos III University (UC3M) bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and master's degree in space engineering; Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering in aeronavigation, specific training in navigation applications, satellites and space technologies; Universidad Europea (UE) Master of Continuing Education in Space Systems and Alfonso X el Sabio University (UAX) Degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Complutense University (UCM), University of Alcalá (UAH) and Autonoma University (UAM) also play a noteworthy role since scientists from these universities participate with an important contribution in several space missions of a scientific nature, some of them of the European Space Agency. In addition, a master's degree in Astrophysics and a doctoral program in Astrophysics are taught at UCM with the collaboration of UAH, CAB, INTA and ESA.

Specialised Incubators and Accelerators encourage the arrival of international entrepreneurs and researchers in the Space field and support the growth of startup initiatives such as the ESA BIC Madrid Region of the European Space Agency - Spanish Space Agency and the Community of Madrid, managed by Fundación madri+d.

A growing startup ecosystem

With Tech Companies like Arquimea, Lidax, Fossa Systems, Ienai Space, Madrid Space or Anzen Engineering the Community of Madrid shows a clear growth in the number of space startups in the region. This increase has been especially notable in the 2019-2024 period, with a growth of 200% compared to the previous period. With 27 Space startups (48% of Space startups in Spain) the Community of Madrid is among the Top European Hubs. Madrid 27 startups have generated 406 jobs with an average of 14 people employed per startup, reflecting a compact but specialized employment structure, typical of early-stage companies in high-tech sectors.