Spacecraft Operator
An entity responsible for the command and control of a spacecraft during its mission, from launch through end-of-life.
In the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, Art. 5(16)(a)), a spacecraft operator is a public or private entity that operates the space infrastructure by carrying out the operation, control and return of a space object, based on an authorisation or a specific regime for a national space programme.
Responsibilities
- Pre-launch: Authorization, registration, insurance where national law requires it
- Launch: Coordination with launch provider
- Operations: Command and control, collision avoidance
- End-of-life: Deorbiting or graveyard maneuvers
Regulatory Requirements SCOs must obtain authorization and comply with:
- Technical standards (spacecraft design, reliability)
- Operational requirements (tracking, telemetry)
- Debris mitigation obligations
- Cybersecurity measures (NIS2 if applicable)
- Insurance where required by national law (the EU Space Act proposal contains none)
Types of SCOs
- Commercial operators (telecom, EO, navigation)
- Governmental operators
- Scientific/research operators
- Academic operators
Light Regime The EU Space Act proposal's light regime (Art. 10) covers research and education, simplified risk management and IOD/IOV missions of small-sized enterprises and research or education institutions — not spacecraft mass or size thresholds.