Canary Islands aims to establish itself as a significant player in the aerospace sector by leveraging the scientific advancements achieved through IACTEC since 2019. Following its acquisition of the leadership role in the European initiative Sky Blue (Cutting Edge Leap to Excellence in Space and Optics Technologies), the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) has been awarded 24 million euros to fulfil one of its objectives: to transform the Islands into a key hub on Europe’s aerospace industry map.
The initial step towards establishing the Canary Islands as a Technological Centre of Excellence – specifically in Optical and aerospace technologies – took place yesterday. From early morning, the headquarters of IACTEC in La Laguna hosted the inaugural meeting of this six-year project, attended by representatives from the participating institutions, including the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), the National Centre for Scientific Research of France, and the European Space Agency. Several local authorities, such as the Minister of Universities, Science, and Innovation, Migdalia Machín, and the Minister of Innovation, Research, and Development for Cabildo de Tenerife, Juan José Martínez, were also present.
It is noteworthy that part of the funding for this project originates from these two institutions in the Canary Islands. Out of the 24 million euros allocated to the IAC over the next six years, six million euros will be sourced from the Canary Islands and another six million euros will come from the Cabildo de Tenerife. The remaining funds are provided by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), the body that has endorsed the project.
Cutting-edge Technology
The primary aim of Sky Blue is to enhance the technological capabilities of the IACTEC division, transforming it into a Centre of Excellence by strengthening and expanding expertise in cutting-edge technologies for detection in the visible and infrared spectrums, microelectronics, and integrated photonics. This includes adaptive optics with AI algorithms, as well as communication and distribution of quantum keys and quantum technologies suited for space applications, thereby advancing capacities in Earth observation, Astrophysics, and the New Space sector (small satellites). All of this is underpinned by the potential for Industrial and Commercial Transfer that will boost the strength of Technology-Based Companies.
A portion of the financing attained through competitive means will be allocated to recruiting new personnel. Consequently, it is anticipated that nearly fifty researchers will join the Technology Centre. “Around 20 will be hired with this funding, complemented by 16 through the Cabildo under the Technological Development Programme, alongside 12 to 13 specialists through specific funding from the Canary Islands,” stated Rebolo.
This initiative will greatly assist in solidifying the role of Canarian science within two realms of the space sector: the development of microsatellites and optical technologies. As Rafael Rebolo, the lead investigator behind this ambitious project, described, it encompasses more than just applications in space. “This is a project fundamentally dedicated to unveiling technological advancements in optics that will meet the requirements of both science and astronomy, as well as various other fields, including biomedicine,” explained Rebolo.
Engagement with Society
Indeed, that “connection with society” is one of IAC‘s goals from the outset. This was underscored by Valentín Martínez, the director of IAC, who emphasised that “Sky Blue will achieve this. We will attain technology that has, until now, been confined to astrophysicists, allowing the entire Canarian society to benefit from it, including businesses.”
“This will position the Canary Islands as a crucial hub for everything related to optics and aeronautics,” noted Machín, who acknowledged the research community, the infrastructure, and the strategic location of the Canary Islands as key advantages in seizing this opportunity from Europe.
Martínez, for his part, highlighted the economic development potential for the Canary Islands via the exploitation of these facilities as a driver for the desired transformation of the productive model. “This will enable us to leverage all the scientific advances made at the IAC into productive activity,” he remarked. Furthermore, he noted that several companies have already set up operations in the Tenerife Scientific and Technology Park – where IACTEC is located – which are closely associated with astrophysical activities. In fact, he mentioned that “within the last three months, we have received inquiries from two companies related to the aerospace sector looking to establish themselves here.”
The maturation of the sector is set to yield results in the near future. A notable development is the launch of the first satellite constellation conceived and built entirely with Canarian technology. Additionally, IACSAT, a space telescope that Rafael Rebolo aims to realise within the next three to four years. “This project is progressing and has already secured backing from the Canary Islands, the Cabildo de Tenerife, and the European Union, but we still need support from the Spanish Space Agency,” he concluded.
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