Spain’s Stellar Ascent: Inside the Boom of Its Space and Satellite Industry
Spain launched its first national space agency in 2023 with an initial budget of €500–700 million. The country’s space sector now generates €1 billion annually and employs over 4,000 people directly. In October 2023, startup PLD Space conducted Europe’s first fully private rocket launch. Spain increased ESA funding by 20% in 2023 and launched a secure military satellite in January 2024.