The NewSpace movement has had a big impact on Earth Observation (EO) missions, introducing quick and low-cost access to space. NewSpace EO missions offer an excellent platform for innovation, enabling faster iteration and new approaches to Earth Observation. These missions have proven its value especially as a complement to the established data sources like Copernicus and Landsat. However, this fast-paced development lifecycle presents challenges, especially for applications requiring long-term data continuity (>5 years), and often involves a greater tolerance for risk.

The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) is managing EO satellite missions in the frame of the NewSpace strategy promoted by the Government of Catalonia. This webinar will explore insights from IEEC’s operational nanosatellite, Menut (launched in January 2023) and GENEO-02, currently in the design phase. The webinar will share key takeaways, lessons learned and will demonstrate how NewSpace EO missions can actively contribute as additional data sources, offering new possibilities for remote sensing based studies.

About the Speakers

Estefania Blanch is Earth Observation Project Manager at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC). She holds a PhD in Geophysics from the Ebre Observatory (URL-CSIC) and previously worked as a member of the Aeronomy research group, specializing in ionospheric physics and space weather. Estefania has led two national research projects and participated in several international projects funded by the European Commission,
NATO, and ESA. She has authored 27 peer-reviewed publications, over 100 conference communications, and has reviewed for journals such as Advance Space Research and Journal of Geophysical Research. She completed her MSc in Space Studies at the International Space University in 2006, with a focus on space-related activities. From 2019 to 2021, she served as an associate professor at UPC.

Helena Carré is Head of the Infrastructures Office at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), where she leads initiatives aligned with the Catalan NewSpace Strategy. Her work includes deploying IEEC’s Ground Segment and managing IEEC’s space assets, currently an EO LEO nanosatellite (Menut, launched in 2023) and a microsatellite (GENEO-02) in development. Helena began her career as a Quality Assurance Engineer at
CNES in the European Spaceport. She later joined DLR GfR mbH as a Ground Operations Engineer and subsequently led the team as Ground Operations Manager for the Galileo Control Segment. She holds an MSc in Aerospace Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.