Latest news and stories about space technology in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is set to bolster its space capabilities with the launch of the second Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite for the Atlantic Constellation. This will be the first one fully acquired by the institution, marking a decisive step in consolidating Earth observation from space.
Portugal is creating a “Waze” for maritime navigation. The intention is to truly revolutionise maritime communications.
The Portuguese Air Force launched the first national satellite with radar technology this Monday via SpaceX in the US state of California. The equipment will allow for real-time image capture, day or night, even in poor weather conditions.
Four satellites from the Lusiada Constellation, which will build the 'Waze of the Oceans', were sent, as well as a Portuguese Air Force satellite. The government estimates 11 operational satellites by 2027.
Portugal is set to launch six new satellites this Monday, March 30, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of the Transporter-16 mission. This initiative aims to bolster national technological capabilities and the economic potential of the Portuguese space ecosystem. The launch, involving public and private entities such as the Portuguese Air Force, CEiiA, and N3O, will expand the Atlantic Constellation to enhance Earth observation for applications ranging from disaster response to precision agriculture. Key assets include a radar-equipped satellite for the Air Force and high-resolution optical satellites, with further projects like the Lusíada Constellation and the development of a spaceport in the Azores underway to solidify Portugal's role as an Atlantic hub for space operations.
This Monday, Portugal is placing six satellites from the New Space Portugal Agenda into space aboard a SpaceX rocket. Two of the satellites will reinforce the Atlantic Constellation, and the remaining four will join the Lusiada Constellation, which aims to strengthen maritime navigation communications. The Portuguese Air Force and CEiiA are reinforcing the Atlantic Constellation, respectively...
Morning briefing: The tax declaration for young workers under the IRS system is now automated, and Portugal is set to launch five satellites into orbit today.
The name of the European mission is a tribute to Maria Celeste, daughter of Galileo Galilei, reflecting the idea of a “daughter mission” that complements and reinforces the Galileo satellite navigation system.
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Celeste mission IOD-1 satellite was successfully launched this Saturday, March 28, following two weather-related delays. The new Celeste programme aims to strengthen the Galileo system by expanding satellite coverage, assisting navigation during potential Galileo outages, and enabling new applications like autonomous driving. The mission, which incorporates Portuguese technology and will test a new form of navigation using low-orbit satellites, plans to launch 12 satellites in total. According to the GMV team in Portugal, which played a key role in testing critical components, this launch marks the beginning of a new generation of satellite navigation in Europe. The mission is named after Maria Celeste, daughter of Galileo Galilei, symbolising a 'daughter mission' that reinforces the Galileo system's robustness and precision. Program manager Roberto Prieto noted that the mission adds a layer of satellites flying closer to Earth to improve the current medium Earth orbit (MEO) Galileo system, addressing vulnerabilities such as solar storms and improving access to remote regions. Additionally, a separate report mentions a mystery involving a NASA astronaut who suddenly lost the ability to speak while in space.
'Lusíada Constellation' begins with the Camões, Agustina, Pessoa, and Saramago satellites.
Four Portuguese satellites will be launched into space on Monday in the United States, the first of a set of 12 dedicated to maritime communications, the company LusoSpace announced today. The focus is to create the 'Waze of the oceans', because we will have access to an internet network working at sea at any point, in any condition.
Camões, Agustina, Pessoa, and Saramago will depart on a SpaceX spacecraft from California. The Lusíada constellation will connect the sea to the internet from anywhere on the globe.
The European Space Agency is launching two new satellites this Tuesday with the goal of testing a new form of navigation using satellites in lower orbits than those used by systems such as Galileo and GPS.
The first phase of the mission involves the launch of 10 satellites, with these first two being smaller than the remaining eight, which will be launched later.
