Catalonia to invest in 'Catalan Nasa' space agency and satellites

Surprise announcement comes as region struggles to contain soaring Covid infections

As Catalonia faces the prospect of another coronavirus lockdown, the region's government has announced it is investing 2.5m (2.3m) to establish its own space agency and a further 18m in launching six communications satellites.

The surprise announcement comes amid soaring Covid-19 infection rates and hospital admissions in the region, where health authorities are considering imposing a two-week lockdown. Bars and restaurants have been closed for 10 days and much of Catalonia's vital hospitality sector is at a standstill.