A satellite orbits Earth, surrounded by a network of smaller satellites and communication lines.

The Space Sector Unlocked Program

From Global Trends to Effective Management
The logo of IE University, showcasing its focus on politics, economics, and global affairs.
This is the logo of the European Space Agency.
Start dateOctober 20th, 2026
Duration3,5 days
LanguageEnglish
LocationMadrid
FormatBlended
Tuition Fees€5,200

PROGRAM

The Space Sector Unlocked Program runs over 3.5 days in person in Madrid, preceded by an online preparatory session. The program is structured to build deliberately: from strategic context, to economic and regulatory mastery, to the operational realities of running missions that cannot fail.

Online Pre-Course - History and Evolution of Space Activities

Before the first day in the room, participants complete a preparatory session that establishes the shared foundation: the arc of space history, the transformation of its actors, and the conceptual map that will orient everything that follows. So that from day one, the conversation starts at the level it needs to.

Scroll down to explore the three modules.

Want to know more?

  • This module provides a comprehensive foundation on how the Space sector has evolved and how it operates today. It traces the historical trajectory of space activities from Cold War competition to international cooperation, before examining the profound transformation driven by the rise of private actors since the 2010s.

    Participants will gain a clear understanding of the sector’s structure, key stakeholders including states, institutions, and companies, and the growing importance of military and security dimensions.

    By the end of this module, participants will be equipped with a strategic overview of the global Space ecosystem. They will understand the geopolitical, technological, and institutional forces shaping the sector, enabling them to confidently navigate and interpret today’s rapidly evolving Space landscape.

  • This module explores the economic and regulatory foundations of the Space sector. It introduces the core components of the Space economy and analyzes the shift from government-led programs to commercial ventures while highlighting the rise of Space startups.

    Participants will examine key regulatory frameworks and engage with industry leaders, while gaining insights into transformative trends such as the proliferation of satellite constellations and their impact across multiple domains.

  • This final module focuses on the practical realities of managing, and delivering Space programs. It covers the fundamentals of program management in a highly complex and risk-intensive environment, enriched by real-world case studies and an immersive role-play exercise. In this simulation, participants step into the shoes of key decision-makers faced with a critical satellite collision scenario, guided by the Head of Mission Operations and the Programme Manager who experienced the real-life event.

    Through this high-stakes, hands-on learning experience, complemented by a visit to the European Space Agency centre near Madrid, participants will develop their ability to make decisions under uncertainty and pressure. The module concludes with a forward-looking personal strategic reflection.

    Beyond technical knowledge, participants will strengthen their decision-making, leadership, and teamwork capabilities -- skills directly transferable to both the space sector and other advanced industries.

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