In the context of ESA’s 50th anniversary celebration on 16October 2025 at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), ESA has signed 9 contracts with Spanish companies to support industry in developing new PNT products and services across sectors, from rocket launchers and automotive to critical infrastructure monitoring and cybersecurity.
The activities have a total value of over €10 million, with ESA co-funding half of the budget and industries contributing the remaining. These investments reflect ESA’s commitment to driving innovation and competitiveness through partnering with industry to shape the future of navigation.
Developing homegrown PNT technologies reduces reliance on external suppliers and strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy. Moreover, this move also opens the door for Spanish firms, already at the forefront of satellite navigation and alternative PNT technologies, to expand in high-value global markets.
The projects have been selected from a pool of proposals following a call by ESA and the AEE earlier this year under ESA’s NAVISP Element 2. “This Element is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the PNT industry by supporting the development of products ready for commercial use. We facilitate industries’ entry to the market by sharing risks,” explains ESA’s Head of NAVISP Rafael Lucas.