CEDS 2026

Chile’s role in the development of space activities

Chile plays a leading role in the development of space-related activities, specifically in astronomy, as it is home to a high proportion of the world’s observatories. Thanks to the geographical characteristics of the Atacama Desert, it offers an ideal environment for testing space environments and vehicles; it is actively involved in the development of nanosatellites; and it has a partnership with the European Union’s Copernicus programme, which provides access to open data.

This is just one example of the growing activity taking place in the country, which calls for progress in identifying strategies and guidelines that contribute to the development of space-related issues.

The role of the University of Chile

The University of Chile has long been closely involved in space-related matters; in 1958, it signed an agreement to support NASA’s programmes and establish the Centre for Space Studies, and in 2017, through the SUCHAI Programme, it launched Chile’s first nanosatellite, which forms the basis of the country’s current nanosatellite constellation.

It is currently implementing the Copernicus Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean project: CopernicusLAC Chile, as part of the agreement signed with the European Union. This project is rolling out a powerful infrastructure for the storage and processing of satellite data, providing services to the region that will support decision-making in various areas affecting society today.

For these and other reasons, together with national and international institutions—both public and private—they have decided to organise the International Conference on Space and Sustainable Development (CEDS 2026).

CEDS 2024

In 2024, the first edition of the International Conference on Space and Sustainable Development took place, featuring a three-day programme that combined academic, technical and networking sessions.

The first day featured a workshop on the Digital Alliance between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as a plenary session on national and regional space policies, and panels focusing on the need for a national space policy and on encouraging innovation.

On the second day, plenary sessions were held addressing the space industry and space science and technology; alongside these, various conferences took place covering topics such as Earth observation, space segment technology, applied artificial intelligence and nanosatellites. The day also included opportunities for interaction and networking amongst attendees. 

The final day focused on the sector’s global impact, with sessions on the sustainability of space and space as an asset for humanity.