Canary Islands is developing a pseudosatellite to monitor natural disasters like wildfires and volcanic eruptions. This project, part of Mission Caelus 2030, received €10.6 million (81% of the first phase) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Universities.
The pseudosatellite will fly at altitudes between the troposphere and stratosphere, providing real-time, high-resolution data. It will be solar-powered, autonomous, and environmentally friendly, returning to base after its mission. The total project cost is estimated at €50 million.
The project highlights the capabilities of Fuerteventura's stratospheric port, Europe's only one. It's part of a larger initiative to establish Fuerteventura as a European center for unmanned aviation solutions. The port features infrastructure such as hangars, advanced weather stations, and control centers. Testing of larger platforms is planned for the near future.
This technological ecosystem has attracted five foreign companies to Fuerteventura, including Skydweller, Thales, and Leonardo. These companies benefit from fiscal incentives provided by the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC). The improved economic prospects may also attract companies from the United States.
The project aims to train local professionals, focusing on aeronautical engineering. Over 600 drone pilots have already been trained.