Space technologies
in Catalonia

Catalonia is positioning itself as a leading European hub for space technologies, with a fast-growing ecosystem spanning satellite applications, Earth observation, connectivity and next-generation industrial innovation.

Download our report about the space technologies sector in Catalonia

An ideal European hub for the new space economy

Space technologies are rapidly evolving from a highly specialized industry into a strategic layer underpinning sectors such as mobility, climate management, logistics, cybersecurity, agriculture, and telecommunications. Catalonia has positioned itself within this transformation through a growing ecosystem of startups, SMEs, research centers, and international companies working across the space technologies value chain.

Driven by strong research capabilities, public-private collaboration, and the Catalonia Space Strategy 2030, the sector is standing out as one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic environments for innovation linked to the new space economy.

A fast-growing ecosystem with strong industrial potential

Catalonia is home to over 80 companies working in space technologies, generating €237 million in annual revenue and employing over 1,800 professionals. The ecosystem has more than tripled in size since 2019, with a strong presence of startups, SMEs, and internationally oriented companies.

Companies operate across areas including Earth observation, satellite communications, geolocation, cybersecurity, propulsion systems, testing infrastructure, and engineering services. Earth observation currently represents the largest segment of the ecosystem, highlighting the importance of satellite-based data and geospatial services within Catalonia’s space technologies sector.
 

“Airbus chose Catalonia for the strength and richness of its aerospace ecosystem, which enables us to collaborate with leading research and technology centres while also working with local hardware suppliers”

Roser Roca, CEO of Airbus GeoTech

  • 83 companies

  • 1,822 jobs

  • €237M in turnover

Space technologies connected to AI, data, and advanced industries

One of Catalonia’s strengths lies in the convergence between space technologies and areas such as AI, supercomputing, photonics, and cybersecurity, enabling applications in fields including mobility, agriculture, climate monitoring, and smart cities.

Leading ecosystem stakeholders that can power these synergies include institutions such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), i2CAT, ICFO, and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).

Strategic infrastructure and long-term public commitment

Catalonia’s space ecosystem is supported by a long-term institutional strategy designed to strengthen industrial capabilities, attract international talent and position the territory within Europe’s growing space economy. The Catalonia Space Strategy 2030 aims to connect startups, corporations, universities and research centers through a collaborative and productivity-oriented ecosystem.  

Key initiatives include the ESA BIC Barcelona incubator, the space hub at Lleida–Alguaire Airport, and a €40 million public investment fund focused on boosting the sector’s growth. Catalonia also benefits from its alignment with broader European programs linked to Earth observation, satellite navigation, and secure communications.

A sector with global applications and long-term growth

The global space technologies market is expected to reach nearly $750 billion by 2030, driven by falling launch costs, increased private investment, and the expansion of commercial satellite applications.

Within this context, Catalonia offers companies access to a highly connected innovation ecosystem with capabilities spanning research, engineering, data applications, and advanced digital technologies. As space technologies increasingly become part of everyday industries and services, Catalonia is positioning itself as a competitive European platform for companies developing the next generation of space-enabled solutions.

 

 
 

 

Here are some of the key players in the space technologies sector in Catalonia.

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