AED Cluster Portugal will be attending the ESA Industry Space Days 2026 (ESA ISD 2026), one of the most significant European initiatives for promoting the space industry, organised by the European Space Agency (ESA), which will take place on 16 and 17 September 2026 at the ESA/ESTEC premises in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
AED Cluster Portugal’s participation forms part of a strategy to strengthen the competitiveness, internationalisation and integration of the national industry into European value chains within the space sector. Through this participation, the association aims to promote the capabilities of the Portuguese space ecosystem to key European industry players, identify new opportunities for technological collaboration and facilitate access to new markets for national entities.
The ESA Industry Space Days provide a prime platform for B2B meetings, networking and the identification of business opportunities amongst companies, institutions and organisations linked to the European space sector. In this context, Portugal’s participation is particularly significant at a time when the country has been stepping up its investment and involvement in ESA programmes.
As part of Portugal’s participation in the event, the AED and AICEP will host a networking cocktail reception on 16 September at 3.00 pm, which will be attended by Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos, as well as Luís Moura and Miguel Porfírio, representatives of AICEP, thereby reinforcing the institutional aspect of Portugal’s representation at the ESA Industry Space Days.
During the two-day event, participants will be able to meet the AED Cluster Portugal at Stand B30, where Leonardo Oliveira, Space Manager, and Rita Almeida, Junior Events & Communications, will be on hand to showcase the capabilities of the national space sector, support the establishment of international contacts and promote Portuguese organisations to the sector’s key European stakeholders.
The Cluster’s participation was made possible with the support of the Cross Borders project, co-funded by COMPETE 2030 and the FEDER.
FAQ
What are the ESA Industry Space Days 2026?
The ESA Industry Space Days 2026 is an initiative organised by the European Space Agency, bringing together companies, SMEs, major integrators, public bodies and institutional representatives linked to the European space sector.
When and where will the ESA Industry Space Days 2026 take place?
The event takes place on 16 and 17 September in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
What is the role of AED Cluster Portugal at the event?
AED Cluster Portugal is taking part in ESA Industry Space Days 2026 to represent and promote the Portuguese space ecosystem, strengthening the links between national organisations, the European Space Agency and international partners.
Why is Portuguese participation in the ESA Industry Space Days 2026 important?
Portuguese participation helps to raise the profile of the solutions, products and industrial capabilities already available in Portugal, supporting the integration of national organisations into programmes, missions and value chains within the European space sector.