ISU highlights Portugal’s aerospace potential
Portugal could soon host a centre of the International Space University (ISU), the only academic institution dedicated exclusively to education and training in the field of space.
The intention was floated to PÚBLICO newspaper by John Wensveen, president of the ISU, during a recent visit to the north of the country, in which he underlined the strategic interest the country represents for the university’s global expansion.
Although no official decision has yet been made, talks are underway. During his three-day stay this month, Wensveen met with the rector of the University of Minho, Rui Vieira de Castro, and Pedro Arezes, president of the university’s School of Engineering. The meeting aimed to explore a future partnership that could culminate in the installation of an ISU centre in Guimarães, a city whose municipal executive was also present at the negotiations.
‘We want to mark our territory and fly the flag for space in different countries that have opportunities where ISU can help with educational and training programmes,’ Wensveen explained.
ISU’s expansion plan includes not only Portugal, but also other regions in Europe, as well as countries in Asia and Africa.
The decision to set up a centre in Portugal should be taken by the end of this year. For now, Wensveen promises to return for a new visit, with an extended entourage, aimed at deepening the possibilities for collaboration.
‘The three days I spent in Portugal will certainly result in a return with even more questions and to explore ideas and potential partnership opportunities,’ he told Público.
ISU’s strategy outlined for Portugal initially intends to strengthen the offer of training and education programmes in partnership with a local university – the University of Minho being the main candidate. In a second phase, and depending on the results, it may move towards creating a satellite campus in collaboration with local partners.
‘We don’t really know what the future will look like, but I can assure you that Portugal is an extremely attractive opportunity for ISU to think about establishing a greater presence,’ said Wensveen, whose universtity is based in Strasbourg.
The ISU president believes that education in the space sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by changes in the industry itself, which has evolved from an institutionalised domain to a growing economy.
‘As space is moving towards privatisation and commercialisation, this is also resulting in the creation of new job opportunities outside the traditional routes,’ he saidn this context, ISU seeks to adjust its training offer to the needs identified by both the public and private sectors, rather than imposing closed programmes. In addition to technical competences, the focus includes the development of social skills such as teamwork and intercultural collaboration – dimensions that, according to Wensveen, are often ignored by traditional curricula.
According to Público’s article, Wensveen has a “frankly positive view of Portugal”, justifying the university’s interest with several factors: the strategic location of the Azores, with the Santa Maria space centre; the quality of scientific and academic research; and the early successes of national startups in the sector.
‘Portugal is well positioned to be a key player in the space sector, not only in Europe, but worldwide,’ he said. The regular participation of Portuguese companies and scientists in European space projects, the growth in the sector’s revenues and the recent launch of satellites – such as one developed by the University of Minho – are clear signs of this dynamism. The launch of suborbital rockets from the island of Santa Maria and the confirmation that the European Space Rider shuttle will land in the Azores in 2027 further reinforce Portugal’s image as an emerging destination in the new space race.
Source material: Público/ Executive Digest
