Tenerife Cabildo to launch eight satellites to monitor the islands and tackle climate change
The Tenerife Cabildo has approved a €21.3 million project to design, build, and launch a network of eight observation satellites, all of which will be developed and placed into orbit from the island.
The initiative, known as the Canary Islands Satellite Constellation (CIC), is being promoted in collaboration with the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC). It represents the first time that Tenerife will oversee the full cycle of satellite development, launch, and orbital operation.
Cabildo President Rosa Dávila described the project as “pioneering”, explaining that it will allow continuous monitoring of the island and the collection of vital data on issues such as climate change, natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, and emergency response.
The constellation will form part of the island’s Intelligent Emergency Management System, which integrates satellite imagery with ground-based sensors and real-time data analysis to anticipate risks and respond more effectively.
Cutting-edge technology
The eight low-orbit satellites will cover Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Each satellite, weighing between 20 and 30 kilos, will carry up to three advanced cameras capable of capturing images in visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, and thermal infrared. These instruments can detect subtle changes in terrain, vegetation, and the sea, providing information invisible to the human eye.
One of the highlights will be the Drago-3 hyperspectral camera, developed by the IAC, building on the success of the earlier Drago-1 and Drago-2 missions. This high-precision sensor will play a key role in land management and emergency response.
Operating between 450 and 700 kilometres above Earth, each satellite is expected to orbit the planet around 20,000 times during its lifespan. Importantly, a de-orbiting plan is in place to ensure safe disposal once their mission ends.
Economic diversification
Beyond its scientific and environmental value, the Cabildo views the project as a strategic investment in Tenerife’s economy.
“This is not only about safety and sustainability,” Dávila stressed, “but also about diversifying our economy into the fast-growing aerospace sector.”
The project is expected to generate skilled employment, attract investment, and position Tenerife as a developer, not just a user, of space technology.
The total budget of €21,343,236 will be spread over six years, beginning in 2026 and running until 2031. The first launches are planned for late 2026 or early 2027, with the system expected to deliver round-the-clock imaging by 2028.
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