The public deed for the establishment of the Guimarães Space Hub (GSH) was formalized on the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, at the 2nd Notary Office of Guimarães.
The GSH – Guimarães Space Hub Association was officially established on Thursday, April 17, at the 2nd Notary Office of Guimarães, marking a decisive step in consolidating Guimarães as an emerging hub in the New Space Economy. The act, formally registered by notary Dr. Carlos Tavares, was carried out in the presence of the representatives of the founding entities: Domingos Bragança, Mayor of Guimarães; Rui Vieira de Castro, Rector of the University of Minho; and José Rui Felizardo, CEO of CEiiA – Centre for Engineering and Product Development.
Guimarães Space Hub (GSH) was created with a clear mission: to promote research and the development of innovative technological solutions in the aerospace domain, particularly focused on Earth observation satellites, as well as on sustainability, mobility, and artificial intelligence – including the Defense sector – where the use of space resources is essential. This new ecosystem aims to position Guimarães at the forefront of the New Space Economy, establishing itself as an inter-institutional, collaborative center of excellence strongly anchored in scientific and technological innovation.
The constitution of the GSH stems from a shared strategic vision among its founders, who recognize the space sector as a key driver of economic growth, qualified job creation, and the transition towards a greener and more digital economy. The Hub also intends to act as a facilitator for access to space infrastructure by companies and research centers, thereby contributing to greater national capacity in this emerging field.
On the eve of the GSH’s official formation, at CEiiA’s facilities, discussions were held with John G. Wensveen, President of the International Space University (ISU), with the aim of establishing a possible future collaboration that could project GSH on an international scale and create synergies bringing significant value and impact to the association. The Hub’s internationalization efforts have included outreach that seeks to leverage the dynamics within the Portugal-Galicia northern axis, as well as partnerships with other cities, such as the Cooperation Protocol for the New Space Economy that Guimarães signed with the Spanish city of Valladolid, which also hosts GEOSAT, the company leading the Atlantic Constellation consortium.
The Atlantic Constellation is an Iberian initiative aimed at developing and operating a network of Earth observation satellites with applications in environmental management, natural disaster prevention, agriculture, and urban planning. It is a project of significant strategic relevance, with the potential to place the Iberian Peninsula at the center of European space innovation.
The creation of the GSH Association thus represents a fundamental milestone for launching future projects in the aerospace field, positioning Guimarães – and the broader Northern Region – as an ambitious, innovative territory committed to the agendas of the future. This is a solid step for the founding entities of GSH to strengthen their role as key players in the national and international space landscape.
