Juan Carlos CORTÉS PULIDO

Spanish Space Agency (AEE) • Director

Professional experience

He began his professional activity in 1990, after working in the private sector in the aerospace field, he joined the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) as a flight test engineer, working on the "Eurofighter" Program, in the development of remotely piloted aircraft (DRONES) and in the Logistics Center for Armament and Experimentation (CLAEX) of the Air Force.

He has been head of the Spanish Delegation to ESA and vice-president of the ESA, vice-president of the International Relations Committee, president of the Committee for the preparation of the Seville 2019 Ministerial Space Meeting and member of the Board of Trustees of FIDAMC (Foundation for Research and Development of Composite Materials).

Heis currently a delegate to the Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) and representative of Spain in the Horizontal Management Committee of the European Space Programme (EU 21-27). He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the company Hispasat S.A.

Academic background

Aeronautical Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), specialized in aircraft and propulsion, he has a master's degree in Business Administration, has completed the Management Development program at the Institute of Higher Business Studies (IESE/PDD) and is a graduate in the National Defense Course from the Higher Center for National Defense Studies (CESEDEN). He holds different diplomas in program management and innovation.

Personal Review

Responsible for fostering Spanish contribution and leadership in space programmes since 2004, he has played a catalytic role in the development of the Spanish space sector in all areas, from exploration and science, to technology and applications, both bilaterally and multilaterally. As Director of Space, Large Scientific Infrastructures and Dual Programmes of the CDTI, he has contributed to strengthening Spain's technological-industrial leadership in Large Scientific Infrastructures, promoted the development of dual technologies and designed and launched the Aeronautical Technology Plan (PTA).

As Director of International Programmes and, previously, as Director of Global Innovative Markets of the CDTI, he was in charge of promoting and managing Spanish participation in the EU R+D Programme, technological cooperation in Europe (EUREKA) and Latin America (IBEROEKA) and strengthening and developing the CDTI's international network.

Events

77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026)

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation: