Roundtable: "Shared reflections on the future of space from the Mediterranean Technology Park"

On October 7th, the roundtable "Shared reflections on the future of space from the Mediterranean Technology Park" took place in the Auditorium of the Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering (EETAC), within the framework of World Space Week 2026.

Organized as a central point of institutional and scientific reflection within the framework of World Space Week, the event featured the participation of representatives from leading research institutes and centers of the Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT): Mònica Navarro (CTTC), Andrea Gorni (ICFO), David Villa (IEEC - APEC), and Jordi Gutiérrez (EETAC), moderated by Cristina Protasio (Manager of ESA BIC Barcelona).

The session fulfilled its goals of debate and institutional coordination, demonstrating great alignment among all participants, who were able to clearly present their key messages and viewpoints.

The main outcome was the generation of a shared enthusiasm to continue collaborating and strengthening the space ecosystem at the Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT).

Synergy and Technological Convergence at the PMT

The combination of capabilities across different stakeholders allows addressing the future of space (NewSpace) from a transversal and holistic perspective:

• Telecommunications (CTTC): The role of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) in ensuring global connectivity and data communication from satellite constellations and 5G/6G networks. The relevance of other complementary technologies such as satellite navigation and remote sensing for Earth observation.

• Photonics and Quantum Communications (ICFO): The integration of photonic technologies for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) from space and the development of high-precision space sensors.

• Infrastructures and Sectoral Strategy (IEEC - APEC): The deployment of infrastructure and the development of the Space Strategy of Catalonia (NewSpace), connecting research, industry, and public administration.

• Talent and Education (EETAC): Training of engineers adapted to the challenges of small satellites (CubeSats), combining computer science, telecommunications, and aerospace engineering to supply the sector.

• Transfer and Entrepreneurship (ESA BIC Barcelona): Acceleration of technology transfer to the market and support for the creation of spin-offs and startups within the region.

Following the presentation of each entity, the session outlined a collaboration roadmap based on infrastructure, talent, knowledge transfer, and innovation, highlighting various cooperation tools between institutions that continuously develop cutting-edge technology.

During the session, ICFO announced the upcoming installation of an Optical Ground Station (OGS) for quantum and satellite data links, while CTTC shared its recently deployed infrastructure encompassing several satellite communication antennas covering LEO and non-stationary orbits and bands, as well as an optical ground station for the development and validation of 5G/6G technologies.

In closing, the event served not only to take stock, but also to plant the seeds for new initiatives among institutions. Among the future proposals, Andrea Gorni (ICFO) suggested organizing cross open-house days so that the community can discover firsthand the facilities, projects, and infrastructure of each center—an initiative proposed to be promoted and coordinated by ESA BIC Barcelona. Concurrently, joint strategies will be developed with EETAC to encourage student participation and bring young talent even closer to the space sector.