El Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF) closed its seventh edition in Málaga Consolidating its position as the leading event for the aerospace industry, the forum, with the participation of 512 professionals from over 20 countries, analyzed the challenges of the sector. human exploration, Mars sample return and the critical role of the small satellites in the strategic autonomy of Europa.
Manned exploration and the challenge of Mars
The closing day featured a special panel discussion with astronauts. Pedro Duque y Michael López-AlegríaBoth experts analyzed the coexistence between the scientific investigation traditional and the recent boom of commercial flightsAccording to the speakers, although space tourism is a growing reality, the role of the professional astronaut will remain essential for complex operations, just as passengers and crews coexist in civil aviation.
Pedro Duque y Michael López-Alegría They stressed that working in space demands extreme pressure management, where "Teamwork is essential" to operate in hostile conditions. They also called on new generations to train in a sector that offers a professional projection unprecedented within the field of global business technological
On the other hand, Dr. Michela Muñoz, the first Spanish scientist in the NASAHe detailed the progress of Mars Sample Return ProgramThis joint mission between the NASA and ESA It seeks to recover the sediments collected by the rover Perseverance. "These samples could help answer one of the great scientific questions of our time: whether there was ever life on Mars."the scientist stated.
Technological impact and European sovereignty
La Capabilities of the Spanish industry was one of the central axes of the institutional interventions. Teresa Riesgo, general secretary of Innovation of the Government of SpainHe emphasized that the space sector is Sourcing to guarantee the sovereignty of Europe in critical services such as the observation of Tierracommunications and security. The national ecosystem relies on a mixed structure of startups, established medium-sized companies and large international corporations.
From a regional perspective, María Nieves Valenzuela, Junta de Andalucía, highlighted the role of SSSIF as a catalyst for business partnerships and talent that connects local projects with the European innovation market. The first-time presence of the OTAN, represented by Irene Saiz and Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Carmona, reinforces the nature of dual use (civil and military) of the satellite technologies discussed.
Key figures of the VII SSSIF 2026
The congress has demonstrated its operational strength and ability to attract international participants, maintaining growth in its main participation indicators:
| Concept | Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Registered attendees | 512 people |
| Countries represented | More than |
| Participating companies and entities | 211 |
| Expert speakers | 137 |
| Exhibitors in the commercial area | 33 |
The event has been supported by industry giants such as Hispasat, Indra, GMV, Oesía, Satlantis y AirbusAmong others. The forum's co-directors, Miguel Ángel Vázquez y Vicente Díaz de DHV TechnologyThey expressed their satisfaction with the level of the representatives and the consolidation of Málaga as a key meeting point for the global space sector.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the SSSIF
- How important is the Mars sample return mission? It is a joint mission of the NASA and ESA essential for analyzing sediments collected by the rover Perseverance in the Tierra and determine if life existed on the red planet.
- What is the profile of the companies participating in the Spanish space sector? The sector comprises a dynamic network of startups, small technology companies and large established players working in Earth observation, navigation and secure communications.
- What role does the SSSIF play in the international industry? It functions as a strategic meeting point to forge business alliances, identify investment opportunities, and connect Spanish talent with agencies such as the OTAN and Agencia Espacial Europea.
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