The team from IACTEC Espacio, the department of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) dedicated to developing space technology for small satellites, is taking part this week in the Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF) 2026, held from 17 to 19 February in Málaga. In this seventh edition, the international forum consolidates itself as one of the main meeting points for the small satellite sector, under the motto “Secure Communications & Other Dual Technologies.”
IACTEC Espacio is participating as an exhibitor with its own stand, where it presents its main technological developments and space missions driven from the Canary Islands, reaffirming its position as a benchmark in the New Space field at both national and international level.
Space technology developed in the Canary Islands
During the event, the team is presenting some of its most significant projects, including IACSAT-1, the IAC’s first space-based astronomical observatory designed for the study of exoplanets and primitive asteroids; ALISIO-1, the first Canary Islands Earth observation satellite, in orbit since December 2023; the future Canarian Constellation of Earth observation satellites, designed to provide advanced territorial and environmental monitoring services; and the DRAGO family of space cameras (DRAGO-1, DRAGO-2, and DRAGO-3), a line of compact, high-performance instruments operating in the SWIR (short-wave infrared) range, developed for Earth observation applications from space.
The stand is also showcasing the technical capabilities of these instruments, including the evolution of the DRAGO line up to its most advanced version, DRAGO-3, currently under development and scheduled for launch in 2027. This new generation expands spectral and resolution capabilities for both scientific and operational applications.
Active participation in the scientific programme
In addition to its participation as an exhibitor, IACTEC Espacio plays a prominent role in the official conference programme.
Alberto Hernández-González delivers a presentation focused on the team’s instrumental developments, sharing its accumulated experience in the design, integration, and validation of space payloads.
Meanwhile, Álex Oscoz takes part in the round table “Space for the benefit of society – Focus on Earth Observation,” held on Wednesday, 18 February, addressing the social and strategic benefits of Earth observation. He also serves as chair of one of the forum sessions, reinforcing the institutional and scientific presence of IACTEC Espacio at the event.
The team travelling to Málaga includes Xana Delpueyo, Alberto Hernández-González, and Álex Oscoz, representing the department’s different technical and scientific areas.
A strategic forum for the small satellite sector
The SSSIF has established itself as a key platform for designers, engineers, scientists, developers, providers, and launchers in the small satellite sector. Over three days, the forum facilitates knowledge exchange, the creation of strategic partnerships, and the exploration of new opportunities in areas such as Earth observation, secure communications, and dual-use technologies.
IACTEC Espacio’s participation in this edition reaffirms the commitment of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and the CELESTE project to developing advanced space technology from the archipelago, positioning the Canary Islands as an emerging hub in the European space industry.
