Porto Santo is set to become a key part of Portugal's expanding space programme with the upcoming installation of two new facilities. These installations will support satellite communications and space surveillance, as announced by Colonel Pedro Costa, head of the Portuguese Air Force's Space Operations Centre.
The first project entails the construction of a ground station for direct communication with satellites in the Atlantic Constellation, an Earth observation programme developed in partnership with Spain. The Portuguese Air Force, in collaboration with CTI Aeroespacial, is developing this station, which will support a growing network of observation satellites, aiming for at least 14 radar satellites by 2030.
A second installation will feature an advanced optical Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) sensor. This sensor will monitor satellites and other objects in orbit, crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring the safe operation of spacecraft amidst increasing orbital traffic.
