EU Space Act Overview
The European Union Space Act (COM(2025) 335) establishes the first comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial space activities in Europe. It introduces mandatory authorization, safety standards, and environmental requirements for all space operators under EU jurisdiction.
Read the full legal textWhy It Matters
Before the EU Space Act
- • Fragmented national regulations across 27 member states
- • No unified authorization process for operators
- • Inconsistent debris mitigation standards
- • Limited liability framework for space activities
- • No mandatory cybersecurity requirements
After the EU Space Act
- • Single market for space services across the EU
- • One authorization valid in all member states
- • Harmonized debris mitigation requirements
- • Clear liability rules and insurance minimums
- • Mandatory cybersecurity and incident reporting
Who Is Affected?
The regulation applies to any space activity conducted from EU territory, by EU-registered entities, or serving EU customers.
Satellite Operators
Any entity operating spacecraft from EU territory or under EU jurisdiction
Launch Service Providers
Companies providing launch services from EU launch sites
Ground Segment Operators
Operators of mission control, TT&C stations, and data processing facilities
In-Orbit Servicing
Spacecraft performing proximity operations, refueling, or debris removal
Space Tourism
Suborbital and orbital human spaceflight operations
Foreign Operators
Non-EU entities operating in EU airspace or serving EU customers
Structure of the Regulation
The EU Space Act is organized into 10 chapters covering all aspects of space operations.
General Provisions
Art. 1-3Scope, definitions, and objectives of the regulation
Authorization Regime
Art. 4-18Licensing requirements, application process, conditions, and transfer procedures
Registry & Tracking
Art. 19-31EU Space Object Registry, orbital data sharing, and tracking obligations
Cybersecurity
Art. 32-38Security requirements, incident reporting, and vulnerability management
Space Debris Mitigation
Art. 39-47Design requirements, collision avoidance, and end-of-life disposal
Environmental Sustainability
Art. 48-56Life-cycle assessment, emissions reporting, and sustainability standards
Insurance & Liability
Art. 57-68Mandatory coverage, third-party liability, and financial security requirements
Supervision & Enforcement
Art. 69-82National competent authorities, inspections, audits, and penalties
International Cooperation
Art. 83-95Coordination with UN COPUOS, bilateral agreements, and mutual recognition
Final Provisions
Art. 96-119Transitional measures, delegated acts, and entry into force
Key Obligations Summary
1. Mandatory Authorization
All space activities require prior authorization from a National Competent Authority (NCA). Applications must include technical specifications, financial viability assessment, debris mitigation plan, and third-party liability insurance. Authorizations are valid across all EU member states under the mutual recognition principle.
2. Registration Requirements
All space objects must be registered in the EU Space Object Registry within 30 days of launch. Operators must provide orbital parameters, mission purpose, and contact information. This data feeds into the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) system.
3. Debris Mitigation
Spacecraft must be designed with end-of-life disposal capability. LEO satellites must deorbit within 5 years of mission end (stricter than the 25-year guideline). Operators must demonstrate collision avoidance capability and participate in conjunction assessment processes.
4. Cybersecurity
Space systems must implement security-by-design principles. Operators must conduct regular vulnerability assessments, maintain incident response plans, and report security incidents to the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) within 24 hours.
5. Environmental Reporting
Operators must conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for spacecraft and launch vehicles. Annual sustainability reports are required, covering emissions, resource consumption, and debris generation. This aligns with the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities.
6. Insurance & Liability
Mandatory third-party liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts based on mission risk profile. The regulation clarifies liability for in-orbit collisions and establishes a compensation framework for damage caused by space objects.
Enforcement & Penalties
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including:
of annual global turnover for serious violations
fixed penalties for specific breaches
of authorization for repeated non-compliance
Understand your obligations
Take our free assessment to identify which requirements apply to your specific operations.