New EU Space Commissioner Outlines Priorities
EU’s New Space Chief Vows to Boost European Competitiveness and Security
Brussels, Belgium – Andrius Kubilius, the newly appointed European Commissioner for Defense and space, has pledged to prioritize European competitiveness and security in the rapidly evolving space sector.
Kubilius, who assumed his role on December 1st, outlined his ambitious agenda during a November 6th confirmation hearing before the European Parliament. He emphasized the need to address key challenges facing Europe’s space ambitions, including limited funding, a fragmented regulatory landscape, and growing security threats.
“Europe must be part of this space revolution,” Kubilius declared. “However, we are confronted with a new set of challenges.”
Strengthening Existing Programs, forging New Initiatives
Kubilius reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to flagship space programs like Copernicus (Earth observation), Galileo (navigation), and the recently approved IRIS (secure broadband). He stressed the importance of enhancing these programs to meet the evolving needs of European security.
Beyond maintaining existing initiatives, Kubilius unveiled five new priorities:
Improving European access to space: Addressing the “launcher crisis” that has forced reliance on non-European launch providers.
Passing a new European space law: Establishing a clear legal framework for space activities.
Boosting the competitiveness of the European space industry: Ensuring European companies can thrive in the global marketplace.
Securing adequate funding: Advocating for increased investment in space programs in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF).* Responding to threats to space assets: Protecting European space infrastructure from growing security risks.Focus on autonomous Access to Space
kubilius repeatedly highlighted the need for europe to achieve autonomous access to space, citing the reliance on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets as a wake-up call. He proposed encouraging new players in the launch sector, drawing inspiration from NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program.
“We are bad in launching satellites,but we are good in Galileo and Copernicus and we shall be very good also in IRIS,” Kubilius stated,emphasizing Europe’s strengths in other areas of space technology.
Collaboration with ESA
While Kubilius did not explicitly detail his plans for collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), he acknowledged the importance of working together.
Recent interactions between the EU and ESA have been positive, with both organizations recognizing the need for closer alignment. Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director General, described his initial meeting with Kubilius as “very positive and constructive.”
Kubilius’s vision for European space policy signals a renewed focus on strengthening the continent’s position in the global space race. His commitment to boosting competitiveness, security, and autonomous access to space will likely shape the future of European space exploration and innovation.
EU’s New Space Chief Vows Collaboration, Pushes for Landmark Space Law
Brussels, Belgium – Josef Aschbacher, the newly appointed head of the European Space Agency (ESA), has pledged close collaboration with the European Union as the bloc prepares to unveil a groundbreaking space law.
Aschbacher, who previously served as ESA’s Director General, expressed his commitment to working hand-in-hand with the EU during his confirmation hearing. “I look forward to very good collaboration in the future,” he stated. “I’m more than happy and willing to advise and be available for any support that is required. It’s also necessary for Europe to make sure that we work hand-in-hand together.”
This collaborative spirit comes at a crucial time as the EU gears up to introduce its first-ever space law. The legislation, initially slated for release earlier this year, was postponed until after the June European elections.
A Unified Approach to Space
The EU space law aims to address concerns about fragmentation caused by differing national space laws within member states.
“The space law is crucial,” emphasized Virginijus Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, who is spearheading the initiative. He highlighted the need for “rules of the road” for space activities and the creation of a single internal market for space.
Kubilius envisions the EU leading the way in global space governance. “We hope that with our initiative, we can start again be standard setters again globally,” he said, suggesting the law could pave the way for international agreements.
While the exact contents of the law remain under wraps, Kubilius anticipates its release in the first half of 2025.
Sustainability and Debris Mitigation at the Forefront
Industry and government officials have voiced their expectations for the law, emphasizing the need for provisions addressing space sustainability and debris mitigation.
During a panel discussion at Space Tech Expo europe, experts called for mandatory deorbiting of satellites within five years of their end-of-life, along with support for active debris removal systems.
Stela Tkatchova,program manager for space at the European Commission’s European Innovation Council,shared insights into the ongoing discussions. “They’re looking at deorbiting within five years” of a satellite’s end of life, she revealed, “with mandatory use of in-orbit satellite servicing and, mainly, looking at encouraging satellite design to minimize space debris release.”
This five-year deorbit timeline aligns with regulations recently enacted by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
Juan carlos Dolado Perez, founder and chief technology officer of space situational awareness company Look Up Space, pointed to a recent update to French national space law as a potential model for the EU. “There has been a massive change in sustainability issues” in the update,he noted,with a greater focus on collision risks and in-space servicing.
Thomas Eggenweiler,commercial director at space traffic coordination company Neuraspace,echoed this sentiment. “It’s a very good model for the EU space law,” he said of the updated French law. “This progress is very welcome.”
As the EU moves forward with its ambitious space law, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see how this landmark legislation will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.
EU’s New Space Chief Aims for Orbital Independence Amid Growing Global Competition
Brussels, Belgium – In a world where space is increasingly becoming a domain for both scientific exploration and strategic competition, the European Union is looking to solidify its position. Newly appointed European Commissioner for Defense and Space,Andrius Kubilius,has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on bolstering European competitiveness and security in the burgeoning space sector.
During his november 6th confirmation hearing, Kubilius addressed the pressing challenges facing Europe’s space ambitions, a landscape characterized by limited funding, fragmented regulations, and escalating security threats. His message was clear: “Europe must be part of this space revolution,” he declared to the European parliament, acknowledging the need for decisive action.
Building on Existing Strengths,Charting a New Course
Kubilius emphasized the continued importance of key EU space programs such as Copernicus (Earth observation),Galileo (navigation),and the recently approved IRIS (secure broadband). These flagship projects are vital for advancing European scientific understanding and securing essential services. He stressed the need to enhance these programs to meet evolving security needs.
However, Kubilius went beyond simply maintaining the status quo, unveiling five crucial new priorities:
Achieving Autonomous Access to Space: Addressing the urgent “launcher crisis” by reducing reliance on non-European launch providers is a top priority. Kubilius sees this as critical for safeguarding European autonomy and ambition.
Establishing a Clear Legal Framework: A new European space law is envisioned to provide a regulatory framework for space activities, ensuring a level playing field and safe, responsible exploration.
Boosting European Space Industry Competitiveness: Creating an surroundings where European companies can thrive in the global space market is essential for realizing the economic and geopolitical benefits of space exploration.
Securing Adequate Funding: Kubilius will be advocating for increased investment in space programs through the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), recognizing the inherent value of investing in a future in space.
* Protecting Space Assets from Threats: Recognizing the growing threat of space debris and potential adversarial actions, Cubilius emphasized the need for robust measures to safeguard European space infrastructure.
Launching into a New Era
Kubilius’s vision for European spaceflight clearly prioritizes autonomous access to space. Citing the reliance on spacex’s Falcon 9 rockets as a wake-up call, he proposes encouraging new players in the European launch sector.
Drawing inspiration from NASA’s triumphant Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program,Kubilius aims to foster a more dynamic and competitive European launch industry. While acknowledging Europe’s current dependence on external launch providers, he expressed confidence in Europe’s strengths in areas such as satellite navigation with Galileo and Earth observation with Copernicus, stating “We shall be very good also in IRIS,” highlighting the EU’s commitment to its ambitious new secure broadband initiative.
forging Partnerships for Success
While laid out plans for close cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) are still unconfirmed, Kubilius underscored the importance of a unified front.
Recent interactions between the EU and ESA have been positive, with both recognizing the need for closer alignment. Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director general, described his first meeting with Kubilius as “very positive and constructive.”
With a clear vision for a more competitive and secure European presence in space, Andrius Kubilius faces the challenge of translating his ambitious agenda into tangible results. The success of his mission will not only shape the future of European spaceflight but also have profound implications for Europe’s standing on the global stage.
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