The Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) commissioned a feasibility study to establish an "open space port" within the Archipelago of the Azores, also known as the Atlantic Spaceport Complex. The UTEP Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research co-leads the effort with UT-Austin Center for Space. The study will assess a full range of pertinent factors to include Portugal′s strategic geographical location, existing space infrastructure, burgeoning entrepreneurial momentum, global reach, and potential of employing its unique corporate and intellectual assets to contribute to, lead, and benefit from the emerging "new space economy" over the next several decades.