- Rosa Dávila Announces €21.3 Million Investment in the Canary Islands Satellite Constellation
- The President, along with the Innovation Councillor, Juan José Martínez, stated that “this is a historic step for the island towards the most advanced protection strategy yet conceived in Tenerife” and represents “economic diversification generating qualified youth employment”
- The project aims to design, manufacture, launch, and operate a network of eight observation satellites that will be developed and launched entirely from Tenerife
Rosa Dávila Announces €21.3 Million Investment in the Canary Islands Satellite Constellation
The President, along with the Innovation Councillor, Juan José Martínez, stated that “this is a historic step for the island towards the most advanced protection strategy yet conceived in Tenerife” and represents “economic diversification generating qualified youth employment”
The project aims to design, manufacture, launch, and operate a network of eight observation satellites that will be developed and launched entirely from Tenerife
Tenerife is making strides in its most ambitious protection and security strategy to date. The Island Council has approved the project for the “Canary Islands Satellite Constellation” (CIC). This network of 8 satellites will be designed, manufactured, and launched from the island, marking a historic advancement in 24/7 surveillance, 365 days a year.
To date, collaboration has taken place via the ITER and the IAC with the Drago satellites. However, this constellation, aimed at providing comprehensive protection, has been described by President Rosa Dávila as “a decisive and cutting-edge advancement to enhance the security of Tenerife. An unprecedented milestone that not only represents a commitment to science and innovation but also to security, sustainability, and the ability to make more precise decisions to protect what we value most: our territory and our people.”
This project stems from increased risk levels and is part of the island’s security and protection strategy. Continuous monitoring of the territory will provide up-to-date information daily regarding various key variables to assess the effects of climate change and to optimise the management of forest, agricultural, water, and urban resources.
Moreover, this tool will also aid in preventing and responding to emergencies caused by natural and anthropogenic risks. The development led by the Innovation area, as part of its aerospace strategy, places us in a “privileged position, not only as users but as developers of space technology,” according to Councillor Juan José Martínez, who added that “this project contributes to a shift in the production model, generating qualified employment, attracting investment, and leveraging Canarian talent,” aligning with the Council’s commitment to diversify the island’s economy towards high-value-added sectors.
The total budget is estimated at €21,343,236.50, to be distributed over six years, with implementation set to commence from the 2026 to 2031 budgets.
The Canary Islands Satellite Constellation
The constellation will consist of 8 low-orbit satellites for Earth observation. The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and its division IACTEC-Space will develop and manage the project through the “Agreement for the Technological Development of Tenerife.”
Key features include mission design and technical proposals for both the space and ground segments. Additionally, each satellite can carry up to three observation payloads: one camera in the visible and near-infrared spectrum (VNIR), another in short-wave infrared (SWIR), and a third in thermal infrared (TIR). Notable among these instruments is the hyperspectral camera DRAGO-3, developed by the IAC in collaboration with the Council as the successor to the successful DRAGO-1 and DRAGO-2. This new sensor will act as one of the constellation’s “eyes,” capable of capturing high-precision images with direct applications in land management and emergency response.
For the first time, Tenerife will host the launch of the satellites and will control their deployment into orbit from the island. A commissioner will be appointed to operate them. Finally, the project also includes plans for the deorbiting of the satellites at the end of their operational life.
