- More than 500 attendees gathered this week in Málaga for the 6th edition of the Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF)
The Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF), now established as Spain’s leading New Space event with significant international impact. Over three days, space sector experts from 25 countries have advocated for sustainability and geostrategic leadership in an international political context where space sovereignty has gained increasing importance.
The event, which received significant institutional support with the presence of Málaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre; the Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines of the Andalusian Regional Government, Cristóbal Sánchez; the Director of Business Financing at Andalucía TRADE, Ana María Sobrecasas; and the Secretary General for Innovation at the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, Teresa Riesgo, exceeded attendance expectations. With over 500 attendees, including speakers and visitors, participation increased by 20% compared to last year’s edition.
A record-breaking SSSIF edition
The SSSIF featured two conference rooms for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technical sessions, along with an exhibition area where 34 international companies and institutions specialized in the space sector showcased their latest technological advancements. In terms of participation, the forum hosted 88 panelists, welcomed 15 universities—including students and speakers—and presented 54 technical papers.
This sixth edition welcomed the participation of over 192 companies and institutions from Spain, Europe, and beyond, including NASA, the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Spanish Space Command, the Spanish Air and Space Force, the United States Air Force, the Defense Innovation Unit of the U.S. Department of Defense, and leading companies such as AIRBUS, GMV, Space, Sener, Indra-Deimos, Hispasat, Telespazio, Oesia, Lockheed Martin, Startical, Pangea, and Occam Space.
Discussions have focused on European strategic space autonomy, the protection of the supply chain, the need for investment in sustainable space business, and the technology required for returning to the Moon and reaching Mars.
The conference also welcomed representatives from the European Union, aligning with a global context in which space dominance and autonomy are becoming increasingly strategic. Among the participants were MEP Nicolás Pascual de la Parte and Evi Papantoniou, Space Policy Advisor at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. Papantoniou emphasized that space sustainability is a priority for Europe and announced the upcoming presentation of a European Commission Space Act aimed at harmonizing standards and facilitating business activities.
Along these lines, Vicente Díaz, co-director of DHV Technology, based in Málaga TechPark and promoter of SSSIF, emphasized Andalusia’s key role in the space ecosystem:
“The Andalusian and Spanish aerospace industry is at the forefront of small satellite innovation. We have the capability to build and lead space missions from Spain. That is why it is essential to attract technological attention to Andalusia, establishing it as a global benchmark. Through SSSIF, we are driving Spain’s leadership in the sector, ensuring that our companies and professionals stand out internationally.”
Meanwhile, Timothy T. Pham, from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlighted:
“I am very happy to be here at this event once again. This is my third consecutive year attending, and it is fascinating to witness the growth the forum has experienced over the years. I find it very interesting to come and learn more about the development of the industry in Europe and particularly in Spain.
According to data from the 2023 Andalusian Aerospace Sector Report by the Regional Government of Andalusia, the sector recorded a turnover of 2.743 billion euros, marking a 16.4% increase, and generated 14,400 direct jobs in 2023. The report also highlights that the Andalusian aerospace industry accounts for 12.84% of the region’s industrial GDP.
Highlighting the talent of the aerospace industry
For the first time in six editions, the conference has served as a bridge between major industry players and five Spanish universities. Students from the University of Málaga (Faculty of Robotics Engineering) and the University of Granada (Faculty of Electronic Engineering), alongside those from the University of Vigo (Faculty of Aerospace Engineering), Polytechnic University of Madrid (Faculty of Aerospace Engineering), and Polytechnic University of Catalonia, have gained firsthand insight into the aerospace sector and the professional opportunities it offers.
The students participated in a workshop led by Professor Jordi Puig-Suari, a professor of aerospace engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and co-inventor of CubeSats, small, low-cost satellites, alongside other experts. During the session, the professor interacted with the students, guiding them in problem-solving and explaining the fundamentals of how to assemble a satellite. Puig-Suari emphasized the importance of collaboration between all branches of engineering to work together on projects, regardless of each individual’s specialization.
“In Spain, and especially in Andalusia, we have exceptional talent in the aerospace sector, and it is essential that students are aware of the opportunities available here. That is why we want them to work in our region, so that with their knowledge, they can contribute to the advancement of our industry. From the SSSIF Congress, we are committed to creating an environment that attracts and retains these professionals, ensuring that Spanish talent continues to lead in the aerospace field,” concludes Miguel Ángel Vázquez, co-director of DHV Technology and promoter of the SSSIF.
The organization has already announced the 7th edition of the SSSIF for next year, 2026, which will once again be held in Málaga from February 17 to 19.