Axiom Space, Portuguese Space Agency, and ANI Sign MoU to Ignite Era of Space Innovation at New Space Atlantic Summit

LISBON, Portugal, May 13, 2025 –During the New Space Atlantic Summit, Axiom Space, a leader in commercial space infrastructure, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Portuguese Space Agency and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) to advance bilateral cooperation in space.

The agreement for this strategic partnership sets a framework for cooperation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), promoting joint efforts in innovation, research, and development across key domains of the space economy. Through this partnership, Axiom Space seeks to contribute to the Portuguese Space strategy, particularly its emphasis on incorporating traditional industries into the global space value chain, showcasing how commercial space can serve as a powerful platform for industrial transformation.

Manlio Di Stefano, Director of International Markets at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of the MoU, “This agreement marks another milestone in Axiom Space’s role as a global leader in international space cooperation. By joining forces with Portugal, we are demonstrating how commercial space can serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation across traditional sectors — from manufacturing to medicine. Portugal is embracing the future with ambition and clarity, positioning itself as a dynamic player in the new space economy. We are proud to support this journey and to open new opportunities for Portuguese talent, research institutions, and companies to play a leading role in LEO.”

The collaboration will focus on various areas, including advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, life sciences, and space medicine, fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in the country. Axiom Space will also work closely with Portuguese universities and research institutions to promote awareness of the commercial and educational opportunities available in LEO.

“Portugal has a dynamic and globally connected space ecosystem, and this partnership with Axiom Space represents a new step in its evolution,” stated Ricardo Conde, president of the Portuguese Space Agency. “By joining forces with a leader in commercial space infrastructure, we are creating new opportunities for our industry, our researchers, academic bodies and young talent to access and benefit from low-Earth Orbit as a platform for innovation and economic growth. This collaboration reflects Portugal’s vision of space as a strategic sector for national development and international cooperation.”

The president of the Portuguese National Innovation Agency, António Grilo, added that, “This partnership with Axiom Space is a valuable opportunity to bring new sectors of the Portuguese economy into the space domain. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and boosting research and development activities, Portugal will strengthen its innovation capacity and reinforce the role of space as a driver of economic transformation.”

The MoU will not only reinforce Portugal’s position as an emerging leader in space exploration but also aims to create significant economic growth and technological advancement within the country. By integrating traditional industries into the space value chain, Portugal is poised to leverage commercial space as a transformative force for its economy.