PT Space promotes Innovation Award in Space Science and Technology

The Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space (PT Space) is promoting the Space Science and Technology Innovation Award for the first time. This award aims to publicly recognize a project or initiative by a Portuguese entity in the space sector that stands out for its innovative nature, as well as its applicability, feasibility, and impact.

Eligible projects/initiatives may address various areas of space science and technology, from planetary sciences to medicine and space exploration, space transportation, among others. Their development must originate from Portuguese entities such as companies, research centers, higher education institutions, public administration bodies, or others that belong to the framework of space organizations in which Portugal participates.

The identification of projects/initiatives as potential candidates is open to the public, with the first phase of the selection process involving the nomination of noteworthy projects and initiatives by the entities themselves or by any person who, knowing the project and/or initiative, considers it worthy of distinction. Subsequently, the Portuguese Space Agency will make a pre-selection from among the nominees and the winner will be chosen by a jury, based on an assessment of the degree of innovation, applicability, and impact of the selected projects. The submission of proposals from potential candidates by the public is open until February 25, 2022, and must be made using the registration form available on the PT Space website. Additional information about the award and eligible projects/initiatives is available in the regulations.

This distinction aims to recognize the work of entities operating in this sector, as well as to publicize it to the public. The award, which is symbolic in nature, will be presented on March 18, the date of the Agency's third anniversary. Founded and financed in part by the Foundation for Science and Technology, PT Space is responsible for implementing the National Space Strategy, as well as managing, in conjunction with the FCT, the funds of the ESA, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), and representing Portugal in these international organizations. The FCT, which for more than two decades has been the main source of funding for the Portuguese industrial and academic space sector, also chairs the General Meeting Board of PT Space.