Key Takeaways
- The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) participated in Space Symposium 2026 in Colorado Springs as part of the Spain Pavilion, which featured a record 17 Spanish organisations.
- IACTEC Space showcased its flagship initiatives: the IACSAT‑1 astronomical observatory, the ALISIO‑1 Earth‑observation satellite (in orbit since Dec 2023), the upcoming Canary Islands Constellation (CIC) slated for completion by 2028, and the DRAGO family of short‑wave‑infrared cameras (DRAGO‑1, ‑2, ‑3).
- IAC’s technology‑transfer model links astrophysics research with space‑instrument development, highlighted by a patented dark‑current correction method for uncooled cameras that is flight‑qualified and licensable.
- A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing collaboration in space development, optics, space weather, and staff mobility.
- The partnership positions IAC to advance its space‑science and engineering capabilities, leveraging LASP’s extensive flight‑program experience and NASA‑funded research infrastructure.
Overview of IAC’s Participation at Space Symposium 2026
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) took part in the 41st edition of the Space Symposium, held from 13 to 16 April in Colorado Springs, USA. Organised by the Space Foundation, the event draws more than 10,000 professionals from over 40 countries and serves as the premier global forum for the space industry. IAC’s involvement was facilitated through the Spain Pavilion, coordinated by ICEX and the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Los Angeles under the “Spain Space” brand. This year’s pavilion set a participation record, bringing together 17 Spanish entities that collectively demonstrated the full value chain of Spain’s space sector to major stakeholders such as NASA, NOAA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX.
Key Members of the IAC Delegation
Representing the IAC were Valentín Martínez Pillet, Director of the Institute, and a core team from IACTEC Space: Álex Oscoz (Head of Department), José Alonso Burgal (Manager), and Alfonso Iñigo Rivera (Systems Engineer). Their presence underscored the Institute’s commitment to integrating astrophysical research with practical space‑technology development and to fostering international collaborations that can accelerate the maturation of its projects.
Presentations of IACTEC Space Projects
During the symposium, IACTEC Space highlighted several flagship initiatives. First, IACSAT‑1, the IAC’s inaugural space‑based astronomical observatory, was introduced; it is designed to study exoplanets and asteroids, providing high‑precision photometry from low‑Earth orbit. Second, ALISIO‑1, the first Earth‑observation satellite built in the Canary Islands, was noted as operational since December 2023, delivering multispectral imagery for environmental monitoring and disaster response. Third, the Canary Islands Constellation (CIC) was described as a planned network of Earth‑observation satellites, with a deployment schedule extending to 2028 and a recent official kick‑off at IACTEC facilities. Finally, the DRAGO series of compact short‑wave‑infrared (SWIR) cameras—DRAGO‑1, DRAGO‑2, and the ongoing DRAGO‑3—were presented, emphasizing their utility for vegetation analysis, water‑resource mapping, and urban heat‑island studies. DRAGO‑3, slated for launch in 2027, will enhance spectral range and spatial resolution beyond its predecessors.
Technology‑Transfer Model and Patented Innovations
All of these efforts are embedded within IAC’s technology‑transfer framework, which couples fundamental astrophysics research with the design, validation, and commercialisation of space instrumentation. The Institute holds several patents in this domain, notably a dark‑current correction method for uncooled infrared cameras. This technique has been flight‑qualified on multiple missions and is available for licensing, offering a concrete example of how IAC’s scientific expertise translates into market‑ready space technology. The model aims to create a virtuous cycle where research advances enable new instrument concepts, which in turn generate data that further scientific discovery.
Memorandum of Understanding with LASP
A pivotal outcome of the symposium was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IAC and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The agreement was signed by Valentín Martínez Pillet and Bethany Ehlmann, Director of LASP. It establishes a structured pathway for joint work in space development, optics, space weather research, and the exchange of personnel. LASP, founded in 1948, is recognised as a leading university‑based space centre; it hosts the highest volume of NASA research grants among U.S. public universities and has a track record of developing, integrating, and operating more than 100 space instruments. Its reputation as the “university NASA” stems from its ability to blend rigorous science with end‑to‑end Mission engineering while maintaining institutional independence.
Strategic Value of the IAC‑LASP Partnership
Martínez Pillet highlighted that LASP embodies the ideal partner for IAC’s next developmental phase: a university laboratory that operates with the discipline, scale, and reliability of a governmental space agency. The MoU therefore opens a genuine avenue for collaboration not only in hardware and technology but also in joint scientific investigations, staff training, and graduate‑student exchanges. By linking IAC’s emerging constellation and camera capabilities with LASP’s extensive flight‑program experience and NASA‑funded infrastructure, the partnership aims to accelerate technology readiness levels, increase flight opportunities, and bolster the international standing of both institutions.
Broader Implications for IACTEC Space and the Canary Islands
The activities showcased at the symposium are carried out under the CELESTE project, which channels the IAC’s Space Department’s efforts to advance advanced space technology from the Canary Islands. Ongoing missions, awarded projects, and orbit‑validated technologies form the foundation for IACTEC Space’s growing portfolio. The Spain Pavilion’s record participation and the new LASP MoU together signal a strengthening of Spain’s presence in the global space arena, positioning the Canary Islands as a hub for innovative Earth‑observation and astrophysical instrumentation. As IAC continues to mature its technology‑transfer model and expand its international collaborations, it is well‑placed to contribute valuable data and tools to both scientific communities and commercial space ventures.