The Atlantic Gateway to Europe’s Space Independence can be Azores

Portugal has taken a decisive step in the global space race with the licensing of its first-ever spaceport in Santa Maria, Azores, a move that could position both the country and Europe as stronger contenders against established space powers such as the USA, Russia, and China.

By Paulo Lopes, in Madeira & Azores · 21 Aug 2025, 10:45 · 0 Comments

The Malbusca Launch Centre, operated by the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium (ASC), is not only a milestone for Portugal but also a strategic opportunity for Europe to advance toward autonomous access to space. By combining an ideal Atlantic location with high safety, environmental, and operational standards, Portugal is placing itself at the center of the emerging global space economy.

Santa Maria’s geographical position offers significant competitive advantages, including low air and maritime traffic, extensive oceanic safety zones, and orbital trajectories that are commercially attractive for diverse types of launches. As a member of the European Union, Portugal can leverage this location to reduce the continent’s reliance on non-European launch facilities, enhancing operational security, flexibility, and sovereignty for satellite deployment, exploration missions, and future human spaceflight. The Azores, situated in the middle of the Atlantic, could serve as Europe’s natural launch pad, enabling closer transatlantic collaboration while providing a competitive alternative to facilities outside the continent.

The establishment of the Malbusca Launch Centre reflects years of preparation, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure planning. It demonstrates that Portugal is ready to host large-scale space activities within a clear legal framework, applying international best practices in safety and environmental protection. The licensing also marks the start of a new phase in which launcher operators from around the world will be able to initiate their own processes to use the site, creating opportunities for commercial partnerships and technological development.

To become a true gamechanger in the international space arena, Portugal and the Azores will need to focus on expanding launch capabilities from suborbital to orbital missions, attracting operators through competitive pricing and efficient procedures, fostering a local aerospace industry to retain talent and technological expertise, and aligning closely with European space strategies to make the Malbusca Launch Centre a key node in the continent’s independent space network.

With the first suborbital flights already scheduled for the spring of 2026, the facility has the potential to evolve into a cornerstone of Europe’s space ambitions. If Portugal seizes this momentum and continues to develop its infrastructure, the Azores could transform from a remote Atlantic archipelago into one of Europe’s most strategic assets in the new space race, a launch point not just for rockets, but for a new era of exploration where Europe sets its own course among the stars.

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.