ANACOM has issued its first space operations licence as Space Authority for the launch and command and control of a satellite. The licence was issued yesterday for the AEROS (Cubesat 3U) satellite, launched into space in United States by Space X. This project represents the culmination of a collaborative process between ANACOM and CEiiA, which began in September 2023, with a view to formulating the licensing process for the launch and command and control of AEROS.
ANACOM is therefore associated with the first Portuguese space project of the 21st century to go into Space, issuing a Global Licence under the terms of Decree-Law no. 16/2019 of 22 January (amended by Decree-Law no. 20/2024 of 02 February). The licence grants authorisation for the launch and command and control of AEROS, a satellite, of the type Cubesat 3U and measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm, that will be used for observation of the Atlantic. Once placed into orbit (approximately 500 km above the Earth) it will be used (i) to study and obtain scientific data from the ocean surface (such as temperature, salinity levels and concentration of algae and microorganisms) and (ii) to monitor coastal events.
This is the first launch under Portugal’s new regulatory framework, a legal framework that is among best practice, allowing agility, flexibility and speed in satellite licensing, without a requirement to pay fees.
The licensing of this satellite, issued by ANACOM as Space Authority, safeguards the international responsibilities of the Portuguese State and Portugal's national strategic interests. It also imposes a set of duties in terms of space sustainability, safety and security.
This first licence is a milestone in the development of space activities in Portugal.
