# Spanish Space Agency > Spanish agency for Space affairs **Wikidata**: [Q107005408](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107005408) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agencia_Espacial_Española) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spanish-space-agency ## Summary The Spanish Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Española, or AEE) is a government organization headquartered in Seville, Spain, responsible for the nation's space affairs and research. Officially established on April 20, 2023, it functions as both a space agency and a research institute with a budget of 700 million euros. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Agencia Espacial Española (AEE) - **Inception:** Founded on April 20, 2023 - **Headquarters:** Seville, Spain (Coordinates: 37.42077312081776, -5.986638284520252) - **Budget:** 700,000,000 Euros - **Instance of:** Space agency and research institute - **Current Director:** Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido (term started May 2024; succeeded Miguel Belló) - **Website:** https://www.aee.gob.es/ - **Social Media:** Twitter (@aee_gob) and Instagram (aee_gob) ## FAQs ### Q: When was the Spanish Space Agency founded? A: The Spanish Space Agency was officially established on April 20, 2023. ### Q: Where is the Spanish Space Agency headquartered? A: The agency is headquartered in Seville, Spain. ### Q: Who is the current director of the Spanish Space Agency? A: As of May 2024, Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido serves as the director, succeeding Miguel Belló. ### Q: What is the primary function of the Spanish Space Agency? A: The agency is classified as both a space agency and a research institute, indicating its dual role in managing space affairs and conducting scientific research. ## Why It Matters The creation of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) marks a significant strategic milestone for Spain, centralizing the country's space governance under a single institutional umbrella. Before its inception in 2023, space activities were often fragmented; the AEE consolidates these efforts to enhance Spain's autonomy and competitiveness in the global space sector. With a substantial annual budget of 700 million euros, the agency has the financial backing to drive significant technological development and scientific research. Headquartered in Seville, the agency serves as a focal point for Spain's aerospace industry, fostering innovation and economic growth in the sector. By defining itself simultaneously as a space agency and a research institute, the AEE emphasizes that its mission is not only regulatory and administrative but also deeply rooted in scientific advancement. The agency plays a critical role in coordinating national interests with international partners, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), ensuring that Spain remains a key player in European space exploration and security. ## Notable For - **Recent Establishment:** Distinguished by its modern founding date of April 2023, representing a renewed commitment to space policy. - **Dual Mandate:** Uniquely classified as both a regulatory "space agency" and a "research institute," bridging policy with active scientific inquiry. - **Substantial Funding:** Launched with a robust budget of 700 million euros, signaling high national priority. - **Strategic Leadership:** Features a structured transition of leadership, with Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido taking over from Miguel Belló in 2024. ## Body ### Organizational Structure and Purpose The Agencia Espacial Española (AEE) operates as the primary Spanish agency for space affairs. Structurally, it is identified as an instance of both a "space agency" and a "research institute," reflecting a mandate that encompasses both the administration of space policy and the execution of technical research. The agency's native label is *Agencia Espacial Española*, and it is often referred to by the acronym **AEE**. It maintains a digital presence through its official portal (https://www.aee.gob.es/) and active social media profiles on Twitter and Instagram under the handle @aee_gob. ### Headquarters and Geography The agency is physically located in **Seville, Spain**. The specific headquarters coordinates are latitude 37.41984649766782 and longitude -5.986660241107167. This location establishes Seville as the central hub for Spain's national space operations. ### Leadership History The direction of the agency has seen specific transitions since its inception. * **Miguel Belló:** Served as the initial leader (precedessor). * **Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido:** Appointed as Director/Manager in May 2024. His appointment was officially referenced by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (ciencia.gob.es) on May 16, 2024. ### Financial and Historical Data * **Inception:** The agency was formally established on April 20, 2023. * **Budget:** The organization operates with a defined budget of **700,000,000 euros**. * **Global Identifiers:** The agency is listed in the Google Knowledge Graph as `/g/11q23v1r5h` and maintains a presence on Wikipedia in multiple languages including Spanish, English, French, Catalan, Galician, and Aragonese. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.ciencia.gob.es/Noticias/2024/Mayo/director-agencia-espacial.html)