Spain has made an important contribution to space and astronomy researchespecially in recent years. Several cutting-edge projects are currently being carried out and active collaboration is maintained with agencies such as ESA and NASA.
The entity that leads and coordinates all these efforts is the National Research Agency (AEI).which depends on the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU). The Spanish contribution to space research includes the study of asteroids, the exploration of planets and various scientific missions.
The ARRAKIHS mission
The ARRAKIHS mission constitutes a real milestone in the field of space research in Spain. It is led by Dr. Rafael de Guzmán, from the Cantabria Institute of Physics (IFCA), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its central objective is to unravel the mystery of dark matter which, according to current knowledge, constitutes more than 80% of all matter in the cosmos.
This subject constitutes one of the most fascinating unknowns in the universe. To achieve your goal, The ARRAKIHS mission will use a satellite equipped with high-precision cameras. This allows visible and infrared wavelengths to be observed. In this way, data will be obtained on “stellar currents”, a phenomenon that results from the interaction of galaxies of different sizes.
The mission is the result of international cooperation. Besides Spain, countries like Austria, Belgium, Norway and the United Kingdom are participating. It is considered a project with high scientific impact. In addition to the information it can collect, it is also a breakthrough in the creation of high-precision space cameras.
Asteroid study
Spain is ranked among the world leaders in the study of asteroids. The Solar System Group of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC), under the direction of Julia de León, has established itself as an international reference in the study of the physical properties and composition of these celestial bodies.
The IAC team made great contributions through the analysis of primitive asteroids. It is currently believed that these were responsible for providing the materials necessary for life on Earth.
These discoveries were possible thanks to the use of the telescopes of the Canary Islands observatories. These include the Gran Telescopio Canarias, which is the largest optical telescope in the world.
In addition, Spain participates in several international asteroid exploration missionssuch as OSIRIS-REx (NASA) and Hayabusa2 (JAXA). Likewise, it is present in planetary defense projects such as ESA’s DART and Hera missions.
planetary atmospheres
Another important project carried out by Spain is the Atmospheres of planets and exoplanets (PALETTE). This activity is coordinated by three Spanish universities: the University of the Basque Country, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and the University of Seville. It proposes to study the atmospheres of the planets and moons of the solar system, such as Venus, Mars and Jupiter.
The objective of this project is discover the atmospheric dynamics, clouds and aerosols of these planets and moons. It is expected that it will provide relevant data that enriches knowledge about these worlds, consistent with the interest in assessing their habitability.
The University of the Basque Country He also participates in Jupiter observation programs with the James Webb Space Telescope.thanks to regular observations carried out at the Calar Alto Observatory.
Other advances
The Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC) is another institution that has made important contributions to space research. This entity focuses on the study of galaxies, exoplanets and black holes.. He is currently carrying out the FEATHERS project, directed by Miguel Pérez Torres.
The FEATHERS project works on the exploitation of new generation radio telescopes to obtain unprecedented resolution in radio astronomy. It aims to advance three key areas of astrophysics: the detection of exoplanets using radio astronomy, the study of star formation and the investigation of supermassive black holes.
Research and technological development
Spanish universities were also pioneers in space research. Institutions such as the Complutense University of Madrid and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia have developed research projects ranging from astrophysics to satellite engineering. The development of satellites, which have applications in Earth observation, are clear examples of Spain’s technological capacity in the space field.
Contributions in astrobiology and exoplanets
Spanish researchers have made significant progress in the field of astrobiology and the search for exoplanets. Through international collaborations, they have contributed to identify planets outside our solar system and to the study of the conditions necessary for life in other worlds, which opens new avenues for understanding our own existence.
Scientific dissemination
Finally, scientific dissemination is a fundamental aspect that should not be neglected. In recent years, multiple initiatives have been carried out to bring astronomy and space exploration closer to the general public, such as exhibitions, conferences and educational activities that encourage interest in knowledge of the universe.
Recommended readings
Spanish space research
The rise of astronomy in Spain
