European space program

14,88 billion

Support for European space industry and strategy (Galileo, Copernicus and others)

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DG / Responsible Agencies:DEFIS | EUSPA | ESA | EUMETSAT

Potential beneficiaries

EU space industry, manufacturers, companies and start-ups active in space, technology and defense; scientists and academics; etc.

Description and objectives

The EU Space Program provides, maintains, and promotes the use of space data, information, and services to support the Union’s policy priorities and funds the space and ground infrastructure of the various European programs and instruments that use satellites and space technologies to address societal challenges. Technology, data, and space services are indispensable for everyday life, for strengthening Europe’s autonomy in strategically important areas, and for implementing the Union’s policy priorities (Green Deal, digital strategies, climate change, sustainability, safety and security).

The European space industry (one of the most competitive worldwide) provides services and information (satellite imagery, geo-positioning , etc.) that are indispensable in everyday life and in emergency situations: for navigation and transportation, satellite tracking and communication, smartphone and car applications, monitoring of critical infrastructure, weather, agriculture, environment, management of rescue operations and humanitarian aid, surveillance of borders, coasts and energy networks, development of “smart cities,” adaptation to climate change, information technology, culture and education.

The main European programs-beacons in the space sector are:

• Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation program. Provides accurate, timely and easily accessible information for environmental and land management, climate and civil security;

• Galileo, the European global navigation satellite system (counterpart of the American GPS). It is an independent, high-precision positioning system that is free and open to all;

• EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Integrates satellite navigation systems, improving their reliability and accuracy (particularly, for aviation);

GOVSATCOM, the government’s satellite communications program. Launched in 2021, it aims to provide secure communications capabilities in security-critical operations: crisis, disaster and emergency management, civilian and military security and defense missions and missions, border, maritime, illicit trafficking and key-infrastructure surveillance (including Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS space infrastructures).

Types of actions and projects

The European space program pursues the following objectives:

• Provide state-of-the-art, reliable and secure positioning, navigation and timing services;

• Provide accurate and reliable Earth observation data, information, and services;

• Improve space surveillance and tracking capabilities for purposes such as monitoring space objects and space debris and providing space weather services;

• Ensure the long-term availability of reliable, secure and cost-effective satellite communication services;

• Support an autonomous, secure and cost-effective space access capability;

• Promote the development of a strong space economy of the Union by strengthening competitiveness, innovation, entrepreneurship, skills and capacity building in all member states and particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups.

The European space program funds a range of activities, mainly through grants and contracts administered by various agencies:

• Space and ground infrastructure design, engineering, manufacturing and construction activities;

• The development of service applications;

• Research projects and studies;

• Innovation activities;

• Communication actions.

Highlights

The EU space program brings together all existing and new space activities into a single program: the existing (Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS) and new (GOVSATCOM) flagship programs. The new space program also introduces: 1) A unified governance system; 2) A greater emphasis on promoting a strong and innovative space industry in Europe and maintaining Europe’s autonomous access to space.