Comprehensive information on EU space issues
Are the EU's space affairs familiar? Read more about the comprehensive website containing detailed information on, for example, the European Space Law, agencies and international space treaties.
What is the European Space Law (EUSL)?
On the 13th of September 2023, in the State of the Union, President von der Leyen presented Commission priorities for 2024. The Letter of intent included an initiative for an EU Space Law (EUSL). The legislative proposal envisages common EU rules addressing the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities and operations. It intends to avoid and remove fragmentation and barriers across the single market caused by the heterogeneity or lack of national space legislations, while ensuring the competitiveness of the European space sector in an international trade context. - Read more
What is the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS)?
The Commission's Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) plays a pivotal role in the European Union Space Programme. Its activities include assessing current trends, identifying emerging challenges, and ensuring that the objectives of the Space Programme are aligned with broader EU priorities such as innovation, economic growth, and security. - Read more
What is the European Space Agency (ESA)?
The European Space Agency (ESA) is the European Union’s space agency, active across every area of the space sector. More than 5000 people work across ESA, including engineers, scientists and support staff. Established in 1975, ESA has 22 Member States, and for about 50 years has promoted European scientific and industrial interests in space. ESA’s Headquarters is located in Paris, France, and is where ESA’s space strategy and policy are developed. It is also where the agency’s administrative function is based. - Read more
What is the The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)?
According to Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of 28 April 2021, establishing the Union Space Programme and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, the mission of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme is to contribute to the Programme, particularly as regards security accreditation as well as market and downstream applications development. In relation to security in particular, and given its experience in this area, the Agency should be responsible for the security accreditation tasks for all the Union actions in the space sector. - Read more
What is Copernicus?
Copernicus is the Earth Observation component of the European Union’s Space programme. Earth Observation (EO) refers to the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor land, marine (seas, rivers, lakes) and atmosphere. Satellite-based Earth Observation relies on the use of satellite-mounted payloads to gather imaging data about the Earth’s characteristics. The images are then processed and analysed in order to extract different types of information that can serve a very wide range of applications and industries. - Read more
What is Galileo?
Galileo, the EU´s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), provides navigation, positioning and timing information. Unlike other global satellite navigation systems, Galileo is a civilian system. Galileo consists of 28 satellites orbiting Earth at an altitude of 23,000 km. The signals of Galileo are freely transmitted to anyone who has a device capable of receiving its signals (e.g., smartphone). Galileo is four times more accurate than GPS providing 1 meter accuracy and a broad range of services. - Read more
What is EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service)?
EGNOS is Europe’s Satellite-based Augmentation System (SBAS). A Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) is a system that enhances the performance, accuracy, and reliability of standard satellite navigation signals, such as those provided by GPS (Global Positioning System), or Galileo (the European Union's satellite navigation system). SBAS is primarily used to support safety-critical applications, especially in the aviation sector, but also benefits other modes of transport and activities requiring precise location data. - Read more
What is GOVSATCOM (European Union Governmental Satellite Communications)?
The European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme provides secure, resilient and cost-efficient satellite communications capabilities to security and safety critical missions and governmental operations managed by the EU and its Member States, including national security actors and EU Agencies and institutions. The Programme contributes to the EU’s response to specific threats and provides support to the EU Maritime Strategy and the EU Arctic Policy. - Read more
What is IRIS² (the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite)?
IRIS² (the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) is a Satellite Constellation that offers enhanced communication capacities, while ensuring high-speed internet broadband. A satellite constellation refers to a group of satellites working together in space to provide coverage or a specific service over an area. The primary purpose of IRIS² is to ensure that the European Union has reliable, secure, and autonomous satellite communication capabilities. - Read more
What is SSA (Space Situational Awareness)?
The strategic importance of the EU Space Situational Awareness (SSA) lies in its role in ensuring the continuity and security of space-based services that are critical for Europe's economy, security, and infrastructure. As reliance on satellite technology grows for communication, navigation, and earth observation, protecting this infrastructure from potential threats becomes increasingly important. - Read more
Read more also about international space treaties
Source and photo: European Union
