What has happened?

The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union have adopted a Joint Communication on Space Traffic Management (STM). 

Why this is important?

The number of space objects and debris orbiting around Earth will likely increase since more than 20 000 additional satellites are expected to be launched in the next 10 years. Whilst the EU already has Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) capabilities via the EU SST consortium, a European space traffic management (STM) approach aiming at securing the long-term viability of space activities by ensuring that space remains a safe and secure environment is a welcome development. 

What is in it for you?

The following policy-making and actions regarding STM are proposed: 

  • set up by mid-2022 a consultation mechanism with all relevant stakeholders to determine the civilian and military STM-related requirements and the impact of STM on various policy areas such as climate, environment and transport
  • improve the performance of current SST services, including to detect by 2023 all objects above 10cm
  • deploy additional assets such as space-based sensors and more performant radar and telescope systems
  • propose new services such as debris mitigation and in-orbit servicing and foster technology, including to reap the full innovation potential of startups
  • render parts of the data sharing platform and of the future EU SST catalogue accessible to industry (by respectively 2023 and 2025) 
  • coordinate and facilitate the development of standards and guidelines at international levels (e.g., a “safe space” label similar to the eco-label) and promote their adoption
  • create a toolbox to assist in licensing requests by satellite operators similar to the EU toolbox for 5G security
  • propose by end of 2023 an initial set of obligations and identify possible areas for an EU STM legislation by mid-2024
  • pursue an active diplomacy related to STM, promote a regional approach on STM, engage with the US, third countries, ITU, ICAO and the United Nations (COPUOS and General Assembly).

Next steps

The Communication on STM has already been discussed by representatives of the European Parliament and the Council is drafting conclusions on STM. Industry could use policy channels to seek to be involved in such discussions.