Summary:
Atlantic Spaceport Consortium successfully launched two rockets from Santa Maria Island in Portugal.
The launches showcase the growing ambition of the Portuguese space sector.
Founded in 2020, the consortium aims to develop a commercial spaceport.
The GAMA rocket, utilized in the test flights, demonstrates local technological capabilities.
Future plans include building capacity for larger orbital rockets.
Atlantic Spaceport Consortium Takes Flight
Credit: Atlantic Spaceport Consortium
The Atlantic Spaceport Consortium has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching two atmospheric rockets from Santa Maria Island in Portugal. This event marks a clear demonstration of the burgeoning capabilities and ambitions of the Portuguese space sector.
About the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium
Founded in 2020, the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium aims to establish a commercial spaceport on Santa Maria Island, located 1,500 kilometers off the Portuguese coast. As part of their efforts to secure funding for construction, the consortium has been collaborating with NAV Portugal, the agency overseeing the nation's airspace, to define essential operational guidelines for the future spaceport.
Recent Launches
During the recent test flights, the 3.35-meter GAMA rocket was utilized, which was developed and operated by the consortium itself, showcasing Portugal's technological ambitions.
- The first flight took place on 27 September at 13:04 UTC, reaching an altitude of 5,596 meters.
- The second flight followed on 28 September at 11:49 UTC. Although the company described the second launch as ‘not perfect,’ specific details regarding the issues encountered were not disclosed.
Vision for the Future
Bruno Carvalho, a director at the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium, emphasized the goal of demonstrating operational competency in launching and recovering rockets, alongside the industrial capacity to develop and manufacture them in Portugal. He stated, “Our vision is to continue fine-tuning procedures as a way to build up the capacity for larger orbital rockets.”
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