First space license issued by ANACOM

SÉRVULO PUBLICATIONS 07 Mar 2024

ANACOM, as the Space Authority, issued the first license for satellite launch and command and control operations on March 5. This license was granted under Decree-Law no. 16/2019, of January 22, in its updated version, as a global license under article 6, no. 1, paragraph b).

The AEROS MH-1 is a nanosatellite developed in Portugal[1] by a consortium which counts with American partners. The Azores, due to the investment made for such projects, are home to the command centre located on the island of Santa Maria. The satellite will complete a full orbit of the earth in 90 minutes at an altitude of 510 kilometres. Its aim is to enhance the study of the oceans—specifically, the ocean surface—by monitoring various aspects such as colour, fronts, and ocean fauna. This is essential for monitoring and studying climate change.

Ordinance no. 279/2023, issued on September 11, clearly contributed to the granting of this license by limiting third-party liability insurance and the State's right of recourse.

This project exemplifies how technical and legislative investments empower Portugal's global positioning in the space industry and exploration. We hope to see more projects like this in the future.

Ana Mira Cordeiro | amc@servulo.com

Paulo Meireles de Oliveira | pmo@servulo.com