Tenerife Launches 'Space Horizon' Strategy to Become European Aerospace Hub

Tenerife is making a major push to become a key player in the aerospace industry. Following a recent Island Council meeting, officials have formally asked the Spanish and Canary Islands governments for the political and financial support needed to integrate the island into Europe’s space programs.

This strategy, known as Tenerife Space Horizon, is a collection of scientific and technological projects designed to modernize the local economy. The plan leverages existing infrastructure, including the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER), the Tenerife Science and Technology Park (PCTT), and the IACTEC ecosystem. Key initiatives include the Canary Islands Constellation, the development of a new Teleport, and the CELESTE program, which is led by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC).

This move is part of a broader effort to diversify Tenerife’s economy, which has traditionally relied heavily on the service sector. By seeking direct collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Island Council hopes to connect local technology centers with major funding and development frameworks like Horizon Europe and the ESA BIC incubator network. The ultimate goal is to turn scientific research into practical technology that can be used by the private sector.

The council’s proposal also highlights the need for public-private partnerships to ensure these projects remain financially sustainable. For local leaders, the space sector is more than just a way to secure government funding; it is an opportunity to create high-skilled jobs and keep local talent on the island. By focusing on a knowledge-based economy, Tenerife aims to secure its place on the European innovation map and build a more resilient future.