Launch of EUSPA

Prague, 21 May 2021 – #EUSpace on a new trajectory with the launch of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, #EUSPA

On 12 May 2021, the Agency officially became the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, EUSPA, marking the start of a new era for the EU Space Programme. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities for EU citizens and the economy.

What has changed?

Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include:

• increased responsibilities in Galileo and EGNOS, including enhanced management responsibilities for the operations and service provision;
• the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme, the operation of the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre, together with operational security;
• the coordination of the user-related aspects of European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM), in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities;
• the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo and EGNOS, and now including also Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe.

The European Commission (EC) may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.

The first-ever EU integrated space programme

“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the EU´s priorities. This will be achieved primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.

“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” declared Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.

With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Programme provides for a streamlined approach towards the development and utilisation of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in Space. This consolidates the flagship programmes Galileo/EGNOS and Copernicus, supports the implementation of the EU priorities, notably the Green Deal, digital transition, and enhances Europe’s resilience and contribute to the safety and security of its citizens, open also the door to further initiatives such as secured connectivity.

“EUSPA will play a key role to implement the EU Space Programme and turn the EU space ambitions into a reality,” concluded the Executive Director of the new European Union Agency for the Space Programme, Rodrigo da Costa.

Official EUSPA website: https://www.euspa.europa.eu/