IEEC
Promoting space-related research and innovation
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) is a centre that promotes the development of activities related to space in Catalonia in its aspects of training, research and innovation. The Institute collaborates and participates in the planning, execution, dissemination and knowledge transfer of all kinds of initiatives, studies and projects related to spatial technology and space scientific research.
Research & development
The IEEC focuses its efforts on the study of the Cosmos and the Earth as a planet, through a powerful program for research, development and technological innovation within the framework of scientific missions and projects. The Institute participates and has high-level responsibilities in multiple space missions and ground instrumentation facilities. The research lines developed by the IEEC belong to three different fields.
Transfer and Innovation
One of the main objectives of the IEEC is to facilitate the knowledge transfer and space technologies to achieve the maximum benefit for society. The IEEC has a range of capabilities that make it a benchmark for the space sector and allow it complete activities of innovation and transfer of the results obtained from research carried out at our Institute through contracts with industry entities, academic institutions and government organisations around the world.
Montsec Observatory
Located in the municipality of Sant Esteve de la Sarga (Pallars Jussà ), the Montsec Observatory (OdM) is an advanced scientific research facility managed by the IEEC that includes astronomical telescopes, infrastructures for satellite communications, Earth observation satellite calibration systems, and atmospheric measurement services, all based on innovative technologies. The IEEC operates the Montsec Satellite Earth Station (SGS Montsec), composed of several antennas for communication with low-orbit satellites, developed and installed by the NanoSat Lab of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC).
Area for the Promotion of the Space Sector of Catalonia (APEC)
The IEEC plays a decisive role in promoting the academic and industrial ecosystem of the space sector, both nationally and internationally. The Institute promotes the NewSpace Strategy of the Generalitat de Catalunya approved in the Government Agreement of 27 October 2020, and participated with the launch of nanosatellite missions, developing technological R&D activities for the generation of high added value services and products for the productive sector. Key elements of this strategy are the SGS Montsec station, applications and data processing, and text and integration infrastructures.