Pioneering Spanish space race that fell into oblivion

In 1963, Spain took its first formal steps towards conquering space. National Space Agency (CONIE), launched an ambitious space program with a modest annual budget of 100 million pesetas to strengthen its technological development in the production of rockets and satellites. He National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), with experience gained since 1942 and cooperation already underway with NASA, became the central axis of these efforts. It is important to note that these first Spanish developments focused on military use at first, leaving the scientific purpose in the background. Meanwhile, on the European stage, Spain will also play its cards and lead to dialogue European Space Agency (ESA), far from America’s shadow, is a giant leap toward independence for the old continent in space access.

Many years of cooperation

CONIE’s beginnings were radical, based on international cooperation rather than domestic development, like rocket launches from the peninsula. The squaw is British And this Judy Tart Americans, modest in size but big in ambitions. The first rocket of the Squaw series, launched in 1966, reached an altitude of 70 km, a precursor to what was to come. It is important to highlight that this height is higher than what was achieved, for example, in the first launch, even though the United States or the Soviet Union already had people in orbit at this time. Miura 1 by BLT Space. Fuerteventura was even considered a potential field for future launches, a dream that danced on the horizon.

Soon, the rockets became more advanced, and the North American Nikes reached an altitude of 140 km. 255 at the same time, a national engineering work in collaboration with British partners, which rises 150 km above our heads. So, gradually, Spain established itself in space, culminating in the launch of a satellite. INTA SAT From California in 1974, a small probe sent valuable signals from the cosmic void for nearly two years. Despite initial enthusiasm and more than 300 sound rocket launches up to 1975, the Spanish space path was not without its bumps. Resources were limited and Fluctuating political support. CONIE faced a harsh reality Adequate budget, and even as additional phases for the space program were announced, the money flowed in drips and drops. INTA, trying to maintain its status as a research center, was able to survive both financially and scientifically.

In the early 70s, Spain came to life, bright with the spark of innovation. INTA-300, an experimental solid fuel missile. It was more than a projectile; It was over eleven meters gigantic and promised to reach the sky with its three different stages. But understandably, the world did not look favorably on a country under the shadow of dictator Franco playing with such technology. Time has passed, and although the Spanish space program seems to have fallen asleep, it has not stopped dreaming. The National Research and Development Plan of 1988 was like a morning warning. The National Space Research Program was born later, seeking to connect with European efforts, but the delay was already a burden.

Capricorn show

When was the last time? Hispassat, a Spanish satellite, launched in 1992, with only 15% of Spain’s footprint in its construction. France took the lead. It wasn’t until 1997 that Hispasat showed its defensive side, opening the door to the use of satellite communications. A bold idea arose at the beginning of this decade: to create its own space rocket, “Capricorn”. The adventure begins with excitement, dreams of space luxury, and a budget 3,000 million pesetas. The starting year is 1991 and the project should be implemented by 1996. The three-stage rocket was expected to reach a length of 15 meters and carry its cargo into space.

But this journey to the stars is not just about technology and numbers. It was full of challenges and collaborations, with ideas combining solid engines and, later, a liquid fuel stage that could be ignited repeatedly. Fins provide stability, and an on-board computer promises to be the brains behind guiding the rocket skyward. However, space travel is met with turbulence. Critical Voices and Ecological Concerns Iron, where the launch site is planned, sows doubts. Despite efforts to highlight civic and socioeconomic benefits, resistance is growing.

But hope collides with a harsh reality. Despite progress, the program does not appear to be competitive enough against major space powers. too Antonio Elias, a Spanish-born engineer who leaves his mark on the space world with Pegasus in America, is a reminder of what could have been. Capricorn’s story turns sour when the satellite hits Minisat 01, instead of being launched by this Spanish rocket, goes into space on the American Pegasus. The dream of a mature and talented Spanish pitcher is fading.

Rumors of success and promises of a future with a hundred mini-rockets take a dramatic turn when economic and strategic reality dictates otherwise. The project faces a final decision: either it joins the international program Vega, or it becomes a defensive missile. Capricorn’s story ends abruptly, without the demonstrator even touching the sky. A program of civil and military potential dissolves into thin air, leaving questions and reflections on what might have been if history had taken a different path. Thanks to such statistics, Spain’s position in space will improve Pablo Alvarez and Sara GarciaESA was selected with the latest batch and formation of astronauts Spanish Space Agency. The private sector must participate in this renewed push, as it has already done on the other side of the Atlantic. The latest launch of Miura 1 PLD Space and the development of the Miura 5, capable of flying into orbit, shows the light at the end of the tunnel.

Notes: