From dreaming about space to building the future: 40 years defying the impossible

History is marked by visionaries who transformed the improbable into reality, who were determined to defy limits to conquer dreams that seemed reserved for others. In 1984, in the classrooms of the Polytechnical University, Juan José Martínez García dreamed of taking his passion for space beyond theory. Starting out as a university spin-off in the Flight Mechanics Department at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, GMV grew with the ambition to explore the unknown. Today, it is a multinational company present in twelve countries, with more than 3,500 professionals who, with their talent and vision, are leaving an indelible mark on scientific and technological progress. 

GMV's commitment to excellence and its desire to always go one step further have led it to take part in projects of considerable global impact, consolidating its position as a key player beyond space. Its ability to stay ahead of market changes and respond with innovative solutions has made the company a leader in areas like defense and security, where it now holds a leading position in Europe; in cybersecurity, with more than 30 years of experience in protecting the technological infrastructures and systems of large organizations; and in the field of intelligent transport systems, where, in addition to its global presence, it is participating in redefining the future of mobility.

GMV's legacy in the technology industry is undeniable and has reinforced the "Spain brand," crossing borders and making its mark on the global technology scene. This was acknowledged by His Majesty King Felipe VI during his visit to GMV's headquarters to mark the company's 40th anniversary, when he congratulated GMV's professionals “on this growing and inspiring success, which shows how much can be done from and in Spain for the world in cutting-edge technology sectors.” From Spain, and crossing borders, GMV has achieved major milestones in innovation and technology: it leads the technology behind Galileo, promotes intelligent transport systems, strengthens satellite communications, and plays a fundamental role in major European defense programs. Its brand has broken all boundaries, establishing itself as a global group with a vision to remain a global leader in technology.

From the University to Mars

The company's first contract with ESA's ESA Operations Center (ESOC), in 1984, was the starting point for significant later milestones, such as GMV's participation in ESA's manned flight programs, the Hermes launcher and the Columbus orbital station, and its first contract with Hispasat to develop the Spanish operator's first satellite in 1991. GMV is a symbol of excellence backed up by a long list of milestones that make the group a leading player in the European space sector and a worldwide leader in areas such as space mission planning and control systems, use of earth observation data and guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems, among others. The company's key participation in EGNOS since 1995 has given GMV a leading role in satellite navigation in Europe, making the group a European leader in the development of GNSS systems.

GMV’s excellence is reflected both in its numbers and its achievements: it is one of the world’s leading providers of satellite control centers, with over 900 satellites incorporating its technology. In addition, the company actively participates in cutting-edge programs that are shaping the future of space exploration and technology. GMV is a pioneer in the development of GNSS systems and a leader in key areas such as ground segment, avionics, and guidance, navigation, and control systems, as well as in the development of robotic technology in Europe. Its innovations are present in the Galileo program, where the company has been involved since the beginning, helping establish it as a global benchmark in satellite navigation. GMV is also a key player in SouthPAN, the ambitious initiative by Australia and New Zealand to advance in this field. Moreover, GMV plays a leading role in Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation program, and heads an international consortium in ESA’s Hera mission, taking charge of the GNC system design and development, mission analysis, and other activities.

But GMV's mark does not stop there: it extends to flagship missions such as Mars Sample Return, ExoMars, and Proba-3, as well as space traffic management, a crucial field in which the company develops essential technologies for infrastructure protection and the sustainability of the space environment, further consolidating its global leadership.

The words of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, also speaking to mark the company's 40th anniversary, attest to GMV's commitment to excellence and innovation: "GMV has come to symbolize our collective commitment to innovation, exploration, and discovery. Forty years ago, it began its journey with the disruptive talent typical of start-ups and now, it has reached maturity as a leader in the space industry [...] GMV has a wealth of technical knowledge and, of course, curiosity is also an important part of this desire to always go one step further.”

Diversification and excellence: the pillars of unstoppable growth

Curiosity and the need to explore the unexplored led GMV to take steps beyond space. As the director of the Spanish Space Agency, Juan Carlos Cortés, noted, "GMV's track record is a story of innovation, growth, and commitment to technological excellence. from its earliest days as a startup created by a small group of engineers, until reaching its current status as a multinational tech firm with a leadership position in multiple fields. Clearly, GMV has already had a significant impact on the technology sector. 

Diversification and technology transfer have been the main drivers of growth for the group, as demonstrated by its achievements in areas such as defense, where GMV began its efforts in 1989, just five years after its creation, and whose track record has made it a preferred partner with extensive participation in European projects. 

GMV's firm commitment to developing cutting-edge technology to strengthen the capabilities of armed forces and security agencies in the current geopolitical context is clear. The company is, in fact, a leader in developing ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions within the NATO framework, and stands out as a key player in command and control systems as well as in the deployment of border surveillance technologies. In the field of aeronautics, GMV's developments have played a leading role in improving navigation, flight control, mission management, and avionics systems, consolidating its position as a strategic technology provider. The company actively participates in major aeronautical programs such as FCAS/NGWS, Eurodrone, and SIRTAP, contributing to the advancement of innovative solutions that reinforce the strategic autonomy and competitiveness of the European aerospace and defense industries.

GMV's GPS experience laid the foundations for the intelligent transport systems area. Today, it is one of the leading companies in this field, and its contribution has resulted in a significant improvement in mobility. GMV's solutions have made a breakthrough in public transport in many countries, promoting efficient mobility alternatives.

In 2023, GMV reached a new milestone in this area by signing a major contract in Westchester, New York (USA) to implement a new system for managing and operating its bus fleet. Space technology has greatly improved public transportation and has also contributed to connected and autonomous cars, which would not have been possible without years of work on GNSS-based positioning solutions that today provide centimeter-accurate, safe and reliable positioning for the autonomous vehicle.

This diversification displayed by GMV is also present in the field of cybersecurity. Since 1994, when GMV installed the first firewall system in Spain, its activity in the field of critical infrastructure protection has continued unabated, extending also to satellite navigation systems, where it is actively participating in the protection and monitoring of the cybersecurity system of the Galileo satellite constellation, playing a key role in the development of critical technologies and systems to guarantee the integrity and resilience of the system.

In the field of large companies, the group has 30 years of experience in protecting technological systems of organizations and public administrations. GMV has also been at the technological cutting edge for years, providing cutting-edge solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies. In the field of AI, the company develops and integrates machine learning algorithms and intelligent data processing applied to sectors as diverse as defense, healthcare, mobility and critical infrastructure management, optimizing processes, improving decision-making, and enhancing security. In the field of quantum technologies, GMV participates in strategic projects exploring the potential of post-quantum cryptography and quantum computing to address the cybersecurity challenges of the future. All this while continuously adapting its capabilities and services to a constantly changing global market, anticipating emerging technological needs, and reinforcing its position as a leading innovative partner.

For over 40 years, the science and technology developed at GMV have been instrumental in facilitating many of our daily activities, generating a direct impact on society and creating that “invisible technology” that enables us to reach a specific destination or quickly browse the Internet. Space is everywhere, playing an increasingly important role in improving quality of life, social progress, and business efficiency. 

Leaders thanks to the best talent

Right from the word go, GMV has been a talent engine driven by its firm commitment to hiring the best professionals to maintain its tradition of excellence. The group not only seeks to attract brilliant profiles, but also acts as a talent incubator in line with its strong links to the university world. This commitment has led GMV to collaborate closely with universities and educational institutions, promoting the development of future generations of technology experts who will continue to contribute to economic and social progress.

This commitment to talent can also be seen in the work culture, where curiosity, hard work, and creativity are core values. With a multidisciplinary and highly qualified team, GMV has not only consolidated its leadership but also expanded its international reach. The company's trademark ambition for challenges calls for people who are determined to tackle every challenge and take the company to the next level. 

The people who make up GMV are responsible for milestones such as leading flagship programs for the European Space Agency, supplying complete control centers, participating in ambitious defense programs, and innovating public transport systems in Europe and beyond. Each of GMV's achievements has been a step forward on its path to technological leadership thanks to the joint efforts of its professionals. These same professionals were responsible in 2018 for GMV signing the largest contract ever awarded to a Spanish company in the space sector, for the maintenance and development of the Galileo Ground Control Segment, and in 2022, for the largest contract ever signed by a Spanish company outside the EU, with SouthPAN.

Pedro Duque, current president of Hispasat, former Minister of Science and Technology, and astronaut, received the impetus at GMV that later made him fly higher. He also expressed this on the company's 40th anniversary: I witnessed the founding of GMV firsthand as an intern in 1984 in Juan José Martínez García’s laboratory. When I came onboard, there were five or six of us. From the start, the entrepreneurship we now associate with startups was front and center: the goal was to get top talent excited, dare to do it all, dream big, evolve fast. I only left GMV to fly higher, and I am proud to see what a great company it has become. Pedro Duque's words perfectly sum up the spirit of GMV: aiming for the highest, developing quickly, and always doing so with an innovative vision, the talent of the best professionals and the determination to turn every challenge into a new opportunity to grow and build the future.

A legacy that inspires the future

GMV's achievements in its 40-year history are only the beginning of a promising future. Far from resting on its laurels, the company faces the future with the same pioneering spirit that has placed it at the forefront of technological development. GMV's participation in the development of LEO-PNT, essential for navigation in low Earth orbit, and in the GOVSATCOM Hub, a fundamental component of the European Union's government communications program, strengthens its presence in highly relevant strategic projects. In the space sector, GMV aims to consolidate its position as a global leader in PNT technology, strengthening its leadership in the development of the navigation ground segment and expanding into new strategic markets. The company also faces major challenges, such as orbital congestion, the transformation of the satellite communications market, and the rise of New Space. GMV is working to remain a leading player in areas such as Earth observation and the flight segment, where it seeks to continue creating innovative solutions, without losing sight of the development of space robotics technologies focused on autonomous decision-making systems to ensure safe and sustainable space missions.

The company is also making ambitious strides in the field of intelligent transport systems, seeking to set the global pace with disruptive technologies that redefine mobility and transport efficiency. But beyond space and mobility, GMV will continue to lead the digital transformation in strategic sectors such as the public, financial, insurance, healthcare, industrial, and services sectors, promoting innovative solutions that optimize their efficiency and security.

All this while remaining a leader in the other areas where it operates, such as defense and security, where GMV seeks to continue being a key player, implementing the security strategies of the main European countries, or cybersecurity and information technologies, areas in which the company aims to continue strengthening its capabilities, advancing in the digital transformation of all types of organizations and leading the development of cutting-edge technology.

GMV's success, based on talent, excellence, and a passion for innovation, points to a future in which it will not only strengthen its market position but go even further, redefining the limits of technology and innovation. This is how GMV's president, Mónica Martínez Walter, sums it up: “We will continue to work with determination and rigor, focused on our positive impact on society, remaining true to our legacy and our values. We aspire to be an active part of the major technological advances that will transform Spain and the world in the coming years, and, to this end, we will continue working to expand the limits of what is possible, determined to meet and exceed all expectations placed on us.”