Tenerife Awards €21.3M Contract for Canary Satellite Constellation
Tenerife is investing €21.3 million to launch the Canary Satellite Constellation, a four-satellite system by mid-2028, to monitor the environment, manage risks, and boost its emerging space technology sector and economy.
Tenerife is aiming to become a major player in the growing space industry, moving beyond just using technology to actively developing and benefiting from it. This big move comes after the Tenerife Island Council recently awarded a €21.3 million project to Telespazio Ibérica to create the Canary Satellite Constellation (CIC).
The plan involves launching four satellites into low Earth orbit, starting with a pilot satellite. These satellites will take daily pictures of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, along with the surrounding sea. The first launch is set for early 2027, and all satellites should be working by mid-2028. Data and images will start being used commercially from 2028.
This satellite system is designed to help manage the region and predict risks. It will constantly monitor the natural environment, helping authorities respond quickly to emergencies like wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions – events the islands are very prone to. It will also help track climate change, improve water management, and protect marine life. The satellites will have advanced sensors that can see in different light spectrums (from visible light to heat), allowing them to spot changes in plants, check soil moisture, and detect spills.
Besides its environmental and safety benefits, the Canary Satellite Constellation is expected to boost Tenerife's economy and technology sector. Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Island Council, highlighted that this investment makes the island a creator of space technology, not just a user. The project is expected to create between 122 and 158 high-skilled jobs, especially in engineering and data analysis. Much of the design and manufacturing will happen in Tenerife, helping to build a local tech industry and attract skilled workers and money.
The project is also designed to be financially self-sustaining. The Island Council expects to earn around €18 million by selling the images and data collected. This creates new business opportunities for local companies to manage and use this information, boosting Tenerife's presence on the international stage.
Scientifically and technologically, the project involves the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (IAC), which is helping to develop the advanced DRAGO-3 camera. The satellite system will also link up with existing facilities like the DALIX platform, the supercomputers at the Institute of Technology and Renewable Energies (ITER), and the upcoming Canarysat-ITER tracking station, which is funded by Europe.
Telespazio Ibérica won the project after a public bidding process that involved three aerospace companies. The Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute helped evaluate the winning proposal technically and scientifically, ensuring the project's high standards. This strategic move positions Tenerife at the forefront of the new space economy, using technology as a key tool for the island's growth, safety, and long-term well-being.