Headquartered in France and dedicated entirely to space-focused education and research, ISU is exploring the possibility of opening a new campus in Portugal. While the decision has yet to be finalized, the signs point to a growing interest that could bring long-term benefits for the Portuguese economy, scientific community, and technological ecosystem.

The expansion would likely begin through academic partnerships and joint training programs with a Portuguese university, ultimately evolving into a fully operational satellite campus. One of the regions under consideration is the North of Portugal, which already boasts a strong academic and engineering foundation. Such a development could establish a new center for space education in the country, reinforcing Portugal’s position as a rising space economy in Europe.

This move aligns with a broader global trend: the transformation of space from a government-dominated field into a fully-fledged economic sector. In recent years, the space industry has become more dynamic, increasingly driven by commercial actors and international collaborations. ISU’s presence in Portugal could strengthen the country’s capabilities in space workforce development, innovation, and cross-disciplinary education fields critical for keeping pace with these rapid changes.

Portugal’s appeal as a destination for ISU’s expansion is not accidental. In addition to academic strengths, the country has demonstrated a strategic commitment to the space sector. A notable asset is the spaceport under development on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores. This facility is expected to support suborbital rocket launches and, starting in 2027, serve as the landing site for Europe’s reusable space vehicle, the Space Rider. This infrastructure positions Portugal as a unique gateway for access to space within Europe.

Furthermore, Portuguese companies and scientists have played active roles in major European space projects, while local startups are beginning to emerge with specialized technologies for satellite construction, data services, and launch systems. These developments reflect a maturing sector that is contributing to economic diversification and job creation in high-tech areas.

If ISU establishes a foothold in Portugal, it could accelerate these trends by attracting talent, fostering international collaborations, and nurturing a new generation of space professionals. The university’s focus goes beyond traditional aerospace engineering to include space law, policy, business, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills that are increasingly essential as the space economy becomes more integrated into everyday life on Earth.

Portugal’s geographic location, scientific infrastructure, and openness to innovation make it a compelling candidate for this kind of educational investment. Hosting a campus of ISU would send a strong signal to the global space community that Portugal is not only participating in the new space race but helping to shape its future.

In a world where space is becoming a domain of economic opportunity, education, and geopolitical significance, countries that invest in knowledge and infrastructure will be best positioned to lead. The potential arrival of ISU in Portugal could mark a pivotal chapter in the country's space ambitions one where education and innovation work hand in hand to launch a new era of growth.

As the final decision is expected by the end of the year, all eyes will be on how this partnership unfolds. What is already clear is that Portugal is preparing to raise its space profile, with education and international cooperation at the core of its strategy.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes