A rocket developed by students from Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, signed by European Commissioner responsible for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, served as a symbolic backdrop for a debate focused on Europe’s challenges and opportunities in the fields of security, defence and space. This session took place on January 8, 2026, at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, and showcased European ambition alongside the roles of scientific and technological knowledge.
The event, organised by Técnico in partnership with the Master of Business Engineering (MBE) in Space Systems and AeroTéc – Aerospace Engineering Students’ Organisation at Técnico, brought together policy makers, the academic community, researchers and industry representatives.
At the opening session, the president of Técnico, Rogério Colaço, emphasised the importance of creating spaces for informed reflection on future challenges. He noted that “Space is no longer an autonomous sector, but has become increasingly interconnected with defence”. In this context, he highlighted Técnico’s mission to unite talent, research and innovation, fostering a connection between institutions and fields of knowledge that he referred to as a form of “knowledge diplomacy”.
Andrius Kubilius described Europe as facing profound revolutions, especially technological ones, pointing to the war in Ukraine as an example of how these changes are already influencing contemporary defence. “Europe needs to build its independence in defence matters”, he said, stressing that “being prepared means understanding what modern defence means today”, from Earth observation to satellite systems and the domination of space as strategic infrastructure.
The European Commissioner highlighted the long-term potential of Space and stressed the importance of investing in European programmes for students and young researchers. “The key factor for Europe’s success lies in skills training”, he said, pointing to Portugal as an example of how scientific and technological development, based on talent and ambition, can create a significant impact.
The debate, moderated by Manuel Heitor, a professor and researcher at Técnico and former Minister for Science, Technology, and Higher Education, welcomed participation from the audience. This encouraged a rich conversation with diverse perspectives from the academic, scientific, and business communities that maintain strong ties to the School. Sara Casimiro, president of AeroTéc, highlighted the significant contributions of space to communication, innovation, and navigation, also emphasising its importance for defence and the role of students in the public sphere. Vicente Aroso, from the Lisbon’s New Satellite (LISAT) project, which was established in 2024 at Técnico, further reinforced the role of new generations. The LISAT project brings together students from various fields to develop CubeSats and promote the space sector in Portugal. Teresa Ferreira, from GMV (a technology company involved in the space sector), pointed to the GALILEO programme as an example of Europe’s ability to develop and leverage strategic technologies.
Research conducted at Técnico was also highlighted. João Paulo Monteiro, a professor at Técnico and a researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisboa), referred to ISTSat-1 – a satellite built at Técnico and currently orbiting the Earth – as a “risky investment with strategic impact”, addressing funding opportunities and how these opportunities can be coordinated in an academic context. Zita Martins, a professor at Técnico and Vice-President for International Affairs, reinforced the need to “bring students on board early on” and reflected from a long-term perspective, talking about the future paths of space science, including the return to the Moon and the exploration of other bodies in the solar system.
Rodrigo Ventura, a professor at Técnico and a researcher at ISR-Lisboa, discussed the investment gap compared to other international powers. He emphasised the need to strengthen Europe’s position in this strategic field, alongside scientific research. This idea was further developed by Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon and a Técnico alumnus, who stressed the importance of having a clear vision for Europe’s role in innovation, research, and science, especially at a time when armed conflicts have come back to the forefront of the international agenda. “Europe is not, and cannot be, invisible” in these critical areas, he shared.
