Spain is launched The Space Force (MESPA) is a new agency of the Spanish Air and Space Force (SASF), created to establish the defense and security of the country in orbit.
The agency is comprised of 12 SASF military personnel and two defense systems engineering civilians who perform technical advisory duties.
MESPA integrates the General Air Command’s Aerospace Observation Systems Center (CESAEROB) and the Center for Space Oversight and Operations (COVE). The two organizations detect, catalog, and map threats in space and plan safe areas of operation.
The agency will enter a limited initial operational phase in February and will liaise with its French, German and US counterparts, as well as NATO and EU institutions, for training and cooperation.
Spain’s newest space entity
Spain’s recent efforts to strengthen its space presence began in April 2023 after the establishment of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE).
AEE is built This eliminates the need for other government agencies to handle discussions with international space agencies such as the European Space Agency and NASA.
Managed by both the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Defense, its purpose is to coordinate all space services and activities in support of the government’s strategic actions beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
AEE currently has an annual budget of 700 million euros ($769 million) and has committees focused on technology and innovation, space programs and industry, and security and planning.