# Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia

> research institute in Catalonia

**Wikidata**: [Q20105088](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20105088)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-space-studies-of-catalonia

## Summary
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) is a research institute located in Barcelona, Spain, dedicated to the scientific study of outer space, Earth science, and physics. Founded in February 1996, the institute operates as part of the CERCA Institute and serves as a key center for space research in Catalonia. It is also known by the abbreviation IEEC.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).
- **Founded:** February 1996.
- **Location:** Barcelona, Spain (specifically Castelldefels, postal code 08860).
- **Coordinates:** 41.27577931111111, 1.9887488194444445.
- **Director/Manager:** Ignasi Ribas (tenure started June 30, 2017).
- **Parent Organizations:** CERCA Institute; Catalan Association of Research Centres.
- **Fields of Work:** Outer space, Earth science, physics.
- **Associated Satellites:** Owns or operates the **Menut** and **Enxaneta** nanosatellites.
- **Contact:** +34-932-80-20-88.
- **Website:** http://www.ieec.cat/ (Available in Catalan, Spanish, and English).

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia founded?
A: The institute was founded in February 1996.

### Q: Who is the current director of the IEEC?
A: Ignasi Ribas has served as the director (or manager) of the institute since June 30, 2017.

### Q: What are the primary fields of research for the IEEC?
A: The institute focuses on three main areas: outer space, Earth science, and physics.

### Q: Is the IEEC associated with any specific satellites?
A: Yes, the institute owns or operates the nanosatellites Menut and Enxaneta.

## Why It Matters
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia plays a critical role in the European and Spanish space research ecosystems. As a member of the CERCA Institute and the Catalan Association of Research Centres, it represents a centralized hub for high-level scientific inquiry in Catalonia. By integrating research on outer space, Earth science, and physics, the IEEC contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the universe and our planet. The institute bridges the gap between theoretical science and practical application, evidenced by its operation of nanosatellites like Enxaneta and Menut. This operational capability allows the institute to conduct independent missions and gather proprietary data, enhancing the region's technological autonomy and scientific output.

## Notable For
- **Nanosatellite Operation:** Distinguished by its ownership and operation of the Menut and Enxaneta nanosatellites, advancing Catalan presence in space technology.
- **CERCA Membership:** A recognized member of the CERCA Institute, aligning it with the top research centers in Catalonia.
- **Strategic Location:** Situated in the Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT) in Castelldefels, fostering collaboration with technical universities and innovation hubs.
- **Leadership:** Led by Ignasi Ribas, a prominent figure in the scientific community, since 2017.

## Body

### Governance and Structure
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) is classified as a research institute whose primary purpose is scientific research. It operates under the umbrella of the CERCA Institute and is affiliated with the Catalan Association of Research Centres. The institute's governance includes a Director/Manager position, currently held by Ignasi Ribas, who assumed the role on June 30, 2017.

### Location and Facilities
The IEEC is physically located in Barcelona, specifically within the Mediterranean Technology Park (PMT) at the Campus del Baix Llobregat UPC. Its precise address is Esteve Terradas 1, Edifici RDIT, Oficina 212, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain. The facility is geographically positioned at coordinates 41.27577931111111, 1.9887488194444445.

### Research and Operations
The institute's core competencies lie in the fields of outer space, Earth science, and physics. A significant aspect of its operational portfolio involves the management of space assets:
*   **Menut:** A nanosatellite developed by the company Open Cosmos.
*   **Enxaneta:** A nanosatellite associated with the Generalitat de Catalunya.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
The institute maintains a multilingual digital presence (Catalan, Spanish, English) at http://www.ieec.cat/. It is indexed under several authoritative identifiers, including:
*   **GRID ID:** grid.435450.3
*   **ROR ID:** 00k6njn28
*   **ISNI:** 0000000417849780
*   **Ringgold ID:** 317277
Social media engagement includes a Twitter account (@IEEC_space), which recorded 2,193 followers as of April 25, 2020, and grew to 2,719 by January 5, 2021.

## References

1. [Source](https://cerca.cat/c/irta/)
2. [Source](https://www.ieec.cat/change-of-director-not-translated/)