Call to the Unknown – The Ultimate Robotic Rover Race:

In this thrilling team-based competition, you and your teammates will take on the role of Earth-based mission control, remotely operating a fleet of four specialized robotic rovers on Adamastor-1.
But this isn’t just a mission—it’s a race against time and rival teams to uncover the most scientific knowledge, navigate treacherous terrain, and outsmart the challenges of an alien world.

Visit to the Observatory:

Join us for an exciting visit to the Geophysical Observatory in Coimbra, where we will explore its research on the Solar System, the Sun, space weather, and orbital debris. Guided by experts, we’ll gain insights into how these studies help us understand and predict space phenomena that impact both Earth and space exploration. As the evening unfolds, we will turn our attention to the night sky with a special telescope viewing session. Whether it’s the Moon’s craters, distant planets, or deep-sky objects, this experience will offer a stunning glimpse into the cosmos, making for an unforgettable journey through science and discovery.

SG[Portugal] will kick off with with a few words from our Event Manager Alice Pais de Castro and SGAC Co-founder Isabel Pessôa-Lopes.

Next, there will be an engaging panel featuring a lineup of inspiring leaders from the space sector, who will share their insights, experiences, and visions:

• João Lousada (Analog Astronaut)
• Edson Oliveira (Aerospace Physician and Neurosurgeon)
• Rodrigo da Costa (Executive Director at EUSPA – EU Agency for the Space Programme)

Thematic Workshops:

• Human Crewed Spaceflight Missions:

  Human spaceflight is critical as humanity aims to return to the Moon and push further into deep space. This workshop explores the essential challenges and advances of crewed missions, addressing safety, technology, and the possibility to extend human presence beyond Low Earth Orbits. Workshop held by Edson Oliveira (Aerospace Physician and Neurosurgeon) and Gonçalo Torrinha (Intensive Medicine Resident at Hospital de Braga and Invited Assistant at the University of Minho’s School of Medicine).

• Space Law & Policy:

  Space exploration depends on international treaties and policies that define how nations share and govern outer space. This workshop explores the key elements of space law, examining how global agreements like the “Outer Space Treaty” shape resource management, cooperation and international regulations. Workshop held by João Nuno Frazão (Co-coordinator at SPARC – Space Law Research Centre. PhD Candidate at NOVA School of Law and Member of the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL)) and João Marques de Azevedo (Co-coordinator at SPARC – Space Law Research Centre. Member of the Space Generation Advisory Council, the European Centre for Space Law (ECSL), and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL))

• Earth Observation:

  Earth observation technologies are vital for understanding environmental changes and mitigating the effects of climate change. This workshop highlights how various satellite sensors and data analysis methods enable us to monitor our planet’s health, offering insights that guide policy decisions and sustainable development initiatives. Workshop held by Carolina Sá (Portuguese Space Agency), Carlos Afonso Pereira (IPMA), Vasco Mantas (University of Coimbra) and Ana Oliveira (+Atlantic Colab).

• Astrophysics – A view on Space Safety:

  Did you know that solar storms can shut down satellites or that tiny fragments of space debris can destroy a spacecraft? Space is not as empty as it seems. In this workshop, explore how space weather and space debris pose serious risks to technology, astronauts, and future space exploration — and discover the cutting-edge solutions engineers are developing to protect life and systems in orbit. Workshop held by Ricardo Gafeira (Head of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra) and Nuno Peixinho (Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra).

Portuguese Space Players Panel:

Join us for the Portuguese Space Players Panel, where industry leaders, public institutions, and academia come together to discuss the current state, future prospects, and pathways to success for Portugal’s growing space sector. This dynamic panel will explore the challenges, opportunities, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of Portuguese space exploration, technology, and innovation:

• Industry – Jorge Pimenta (Director of Innovation at IPN)
• Academia – Ricardo Gafeira (Head of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra)
• Defense – Colonel Pedro Costa (Head of the Space Operations Center at the Portuguese Air Force) 
• Regulator – Patrícia Nogueira (ANACOM’s Board Support Office and Space Mission Unit)
• Agency – Ricardo Conde (President of the Portuguese Space Agency)

Race on the Moon: A Space Rescue Challenge:

Experience the intensity of a lunar emergency in Race on the Moon: A Space Rescue Challenge. As part of a team, you will step into the roles of Mission Control on Earth or the Lunar Crew on the Moon, facing a high-stakes situation that demands quick thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. With resources running low and unexpected challenges unfolding, every decision will shape the outcome. Will you and your team navigate the crisis and find a path to survival? The clock is ticking, and the fate of the mission is in your hands.

Expert leads:

• Space Medicine: Edson Oliveira (Aerospace Physician and Neurosurgeon) and Gonçalo Torrinha (Intensive Medicine Resident at Hospital de Braga and Invited Assistant at the University of Minho’s School of Medicine).
• Earth Observation: Carolina Sá (Earth Observation at the Portuguese Space Agency)
• Geosciences: Rui Moura (Researcher at the Department of Geosciences, University of Aveiro) 
• Space Law: João Nuno Frazão (Co-coordinator at SPARC – Space Law Research Centre) and Pedro Hilário (DPH Lawyers, Space Law)
• Electrical and Systems Engineering: Miguel Bergano (Co-founder and CEO, Researcher at the Telecommunications Institute) and Lino Marques (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra and Senior Researcher at Institute for Systems and Robotics)
• Space Weather & Space Debris: Ricardo Gafeira (Head of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra) and Nuno Peixinho (Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra)
  
• Space Policy: Marta Santos (Portuguese Air Force)

Your Place in Space – Unconference Sessions:

Join us for Your Place in Space, an interactive unconference session where you shape the discussion! Whether you’re studying space science, working on an exciting project, or simply passionate about a cosmic topic, this is your chance to share, connect, and inspire. No formal presentations—just open conversations driven by you. Come ready to contribute, listen, and explore the many ways to find your place in space!

Speakers:

• Pedro Hilário (DPH Lawyers) – “One for all, all for one”
• Isabel Pessôa-Lopes – “Women in Space”
• Carlos Maio (QSR) – “Competences based management – The analytical approach”
• Rui Moura (University of Aveiro) – “Astronaut and Spacesuit Training”
• Marta Santos (Portuguese Air Force) – “The inspirational story of Captain Marta Santos on breaking barriers within the Portuguese Air Force”
• Teresa Seixas and Manuel Salgueiro (Centre for Earth and Space Research of the University of Coimbra (CITEUC) and University of Porto) –  “Asteroids and Planetary Defense”

Networking Cocktail and Dinner