Asturias is positioning itself as a key region in the development of the space economy through the congress 'The Many Pathways to Space'.
The event, which brings together 70 specialists from ten countries, aims to showcase the region's expertise in mining, research and materials.
Asturias seeks to play a leading role in the Artemis mission to take humans to the Moon and in the future space industry.
The Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones Ciudad de Oviedo is hosting the congress "The Many Pathways to Space", which brings together 70 specialists from ten countries. At this forum, Asturias aims to position itself as a key region in the development of the space economy, showcasing its knowledge in areas such as mining, research and materials. The Minister of Science, Industry and Employment, Borja Sánchez, explained that this meeting will serve to boost the aerospace sector in Asturias and to position the Principality for participation in the Artemis mission, which aims to take humans to the Moon.
Borja Sánchez, Minister of Science, Industry and Employment of Asturias:Technologically, everything remains to be done for a stable settlement on the Moon. Asturias can contribute its knowledge in matters related to terrestrial mining to extrapolate it to space, as well as in agriculture and astronaut health.
'THE MANY PATHWAYS TO SPACE' CONGRESS: KEY DATA
› Location: Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo.
› Dates: 5-7 August 2026.
› Participants: 70 specialists from 10 countries.
› Institutions: NASA, ESA, CSIC, DLR, Universities of Tokyo, Arizona, etc.
› Key objective: To position Asturias in the space economy and the Artemis mission.
ASTURIAS' CAPABILITIES FOR THE SPACE ECONOMY
The rector of the University of Oviedo, Ignacio Villaverde, stated that this congress places the institution and the Principality "at the centre of research" for major aerospace projects. He also thanked the organiser, researcher Noemí Pinilla, for her work in placing Asturias at the forefront of the space race. The region contributes the expertise of the Institute of Space Sciences and Technologies of Asturias (ICTEA), as well as the possibility of using mining shafts such as the Santiago Mine to convert them into research sites or to conduct simulations of life on the Moon.
Pete Worden, former director of NASA Ames Research Center:Asturias has everything to be an agent of the space economy. There is a lot of research and young people participating in new companies that can contribute a lot to this sector, particularly in relation to resources for the Moon.
STRATEGIC AREAS AND INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
› Strategic areas: Planetary defence, lunar and Martian exploration, space health, microgravity, orbital debris, propulsion, nanosatellites.
› Participating countries: Spain, Luxembourg, USA, Italy, UK, Japan, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Peru.
› Key institutions: NASA, ESA, CSIC, DLR, Universities of Tokyo, Arizona, Central Florida, Luxembourg and Edinburgh.
› Asturian assets: ICTEA, Santiago mine for simulations, local aerospace companies.
› Event character: Transfer of knowledge towards industry.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY AND INVESTMENT
More than half of the participants come from outside the region, reinforcing the international projection of the event and its capacity to generate collaboration networks. The programme combines scientific presentations, institutional dialogue and an industrial vision to address key areas of the contemporary space race. Among the participants are representatives from technology centres, deep-tech startups and aerospace companies, giving the event a strong character of knowledge transfer to industry. Asturias is already home to companies that develop aerospace products such as autoclaves, antennas or parts for telescopes and rockets, and the region offers a unique combination of scientific talent, industrial capacity and natural resources, such as the mining shafts, which can be used for space research.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTION AND OPPORTUNITIES
› International participation: More than 50% from outside Asturias.
› Knowledge transfer: From universities and research centres to industry.
› Local companies: Development of autoclaves, antennas and space components.
› Strategic resources: Mining shafts adapted for lunar simulations.
› Future vision: Asturias as a key hub in the space economy.
For InasTour, the positioning of Asturias in the space economy represents a unique opportunity to attract international investment and talent. The combination of scientific research, industrial capacity and a forward-looking vision reinforces the region's image as a hub for innovation and quality of life, factors that are increasingly valued by investors and buyers seeking a place with a future.
Asturias can contribute its knowledge in matters related to terrestrial mining to extrapolate it to space, as well as in agriculture and astronaut health.
The congress "The Many Pathways to Space" marks a milestone in the positioning of Asturias as a key player in the space economy. The presence of high-level international institutions and experts, along with the region's scientific and industrial capabilities, opens up a horizon of opportunities. From mining research to aerospace technology, Asturias is demonstrating its ability to be at the forefront of innovation. This positioning not only strengthens the region's economic fabric but also consolidates its image as a territory with a future, capable of attracting investment and talent.
ORIGINAL REPORT
This article was originally published by La Voz de Asturias. You can read the original version here: La Voz de Asturias — Asturias positions itself as a key region for the development of the space economy