Spain is aiming to achieve space sovereignty through the development of its own rocket capabilities, highlighted by the upcoming launch of the Miura 5 demonstration rocket by the Ilicitana company PLD Space. This launch, scheduled for the second half of the year from Kourou in French Guiana, would mark Spain's entry into the small group of nations capable of independently launching, deploying, and controlling satellites in orbit. Representatives from the aerospace sector recognize this as a significant milestone in improving national security and telecommunications autonomy.

However, while this move towards independence is applauded, industry experts stress that Spain's ambitions must be closely tied to European cooperation. Currently, Spain lacks a dedicated spaceport similar to the one operated by the European Space Agency in Kourou, indicating that collaboration with European partners is essential for ongoing success and sustainability in the space sector. The focus on shared European resources aims to enhance overall capabilities and ease the challenges inherent in developing a fully autonomous space program.

Thus, while Spain's aspirations for its own space sovereignty are commendable and necessary for national interests, fostering alliances and partnerships within Europe will be critical for ensuring the country's sustained progress and effectiveness in the competitive global aerospace landscape. The dual approach of fostering independent capabilities while simultaneously engaging with European initiatives may allow Spain to realize its goal effectively, benefiting from shared knowledge, expertise, and resources.