The General Director of CTA, Elías Atienza, took part today in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the European Space Agency (ESA), which commemorated this milestone together with Spain —a founding Member State of the Agency— at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), located in Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid).
The ceremony was presided over by ESA’s Director General, Josef Aschbacher, and the Spanish Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, and brought together the top representatives of the main organisations related to the aerospace sector in Spain. The event took place at ESAC, a centre led by Professor Carole Mundell, Director of Science and responsible for ESA’s scientific space programme, considered the most ambitious in the world.
CTA supports innovation in the Space industry
The aerospace sector has been one of CTA’s priority areas of work since its creation 20 years ago. The foundation has funded around 60 R&D&I projects in the aerospace sector, mobilising over 45 million euros in private investment and developing innovations in communication systems, new materials, digitalisation and Industry 5.0, energy transition, and more. Major companies in the aerospace sector, both prime contractors and suppliers, are CTA members, including Airbus, Titania, Ghenova Ingeniería, Skylife Engineering, CT Ingenieros, among others.
CTA has played a key role in boosting the space sector in Seville and Andalusia, actively collaborating with the City Council on strategic initiatives such as the presidency of the Community of Ariane Cities (CVA), World Space Week, and the bid to host the headquarters of the Spanish Space Agency.
In addition, CTA has supported initiatives such as the development of space components, specialised software, and additive manufacturing, working in collaboration with companies like Airbus, GMV, Alter Technology, Titania, Sofitec, and Integrasys.
The Future of Europe in Space
Over the past five decades, ESA and its member states have worked together to strengthen Europe’s presence in space, driving scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and the development of services that benefit society as a whole.
The European Space Agency’s 50th anniversary also comes at a key moment for the organization, on the eve of the Ministerial Council —to be held at the end of November in Bremen (Germany)— where Europe’s vision for the next decade in space will be defined. Discussions will focus on the need for greater space sovereignty and autonomy, and a budget of around €22.5 billion will be proposed for upcoming missions and programs.
