The launch of a commemorative sounding rocket carrying a space art payload will herald the creation of the Portuguese Space Agency. While addressing the technical aspects we will articulate the Alma de Agua payload with ongoing projects from Companhia Espacial Portuguesa Lda, namely its instrumentation department and the AEPOR project. Water management issues in their variety illustrate well the complexity of effectively using space technology as a tool for development. The diplomatic coordination efforts needed in order to have eight countries in very different stages of development to link together and have a simultaneous international event, will provide opportunities to train the staff of the Portuguese Space Agency.