The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology welcomed the resolution of the Council of Ministers approved today. It provides for the creation of the Portuguese Space Agency - Portugal Space, which will be based on the island of Santa Maria.
 
Gui Menezes pointed out that the Azores will integrate, as founding member, through the RAEGE Association, the "Portugal Space." It will have as mission the development of the national space sector, promoting and managing national programmes developed in this sector.
 
According to the Regional Secretary, the Portuguese Space Agency should ensure, in conjunction with the Azorean Government, the implementation of the "Azores International Satellite Launch Programme," which provides for the installation of microsatellite spaceport on the island of Santa Maria.
 
"The installation of the "Portugal Space" on Santa Maria is further evidence that the Azores are decisive in the national space strategy," Gui Menezes said, adding that this measure "could generate social and economic gains" to this island, in particular, and to the Azores in general.