Question 1

What is the EU Space Act and when does it take effect?

Accepted Answer

The EU Space Act (COM(2025) 335) is a proposed EU regulation, published by the European Commission on 25 June 2025. It would lay down harmonised rules on the authorisation, registration and supervision of space activities with regard to safety, resilience and environmental sustainability, on collision avoidance services, on governance and enforcement, and on a Union Space Label (Art. 1). It contains no rules on liability for damage; under the Outer Space Treaty (Art. VII) and the Liability Convention, launching States remain liable. It has not been adopted and is not law; it must still complete the EU legislative process. As proposed, it would apply from 1 January 2030 (Art. 119), would not cover assets launched before that date (Art. 2(3)(d)), and would apply only from 1 January 2032 for authorisations of assets planned for launch after 1 January 2030 whose critical design review ended by a date linked to its entry into force (Art. 118).

Question 2

Who needs authorization under the EU Space Act?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, Union space operators — spacecraft operators, launch operators, launch site operators and ISOS providers (Art. 5(16)) — could not provide space services without an authorisation (Art. 6(1)). It would be issued by the competent authority of the Member State of establishment and, where the operator intends to operate or launch elsewhere in the Union, also by that Member State's authority (Art. 6(3)). Third-country operators would not be authorised but registered by the EU Agency for the Space Programme in the Union Register of Space Objects (URSO) on the basis of a Commission decision (Art. 14, 17). Until adoption, authorisation follows national space law.

Question 3

What is the Light Regime and who qualifies for it?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. Article 10 (Light Regime) has three cases: research and education (para. 2), simplified risk management (para. 3), and small enterprises and research only for IOD/IOV with a limited exemption from Art. 96(2) (para. 4). It does not use mass, mission-duration or orbital-altitude thresholds. Software is not legal advice.

Question 4

What are the penalties for non-compliance with the EU Space Act?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, Member States would lay down the penalties for infringements, which must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive (Art. 31(1)); the proposal sets no fixed amount for these national penalties. Competent authorities would have supervisory, investigatory, corrective and sanctioning powers, including fines and the temporary suspension or withdrawal of an authorisation (Art. 30(1), (6)). For operators of Union-owned assets, third-country space operators and international organisations, the Commission could impose fines of up to twice the profits gained or losses avoided or, where that cannot be determined, 2% of total worldwide annual turnover, and periodic penalty payments for up to 6 months (Art. 48(1), 56(3), (5)-(7)).

Question 5

How long does the authorization process take?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, the qualified technical body chosen by the applicant would issue its opinion within 6 months of receiving the technical file (Art. 7(5)), and the competent authority would have to grant or refuse the authorisation within 12 months of receiving the application; the deadline is suspended while information it has requested is missing (Art. 7(6)). The proposal sets no shorter deadline for the light regime (Art. 10). The application needs a technical file demonstrating compliance with Title IV, Chapters I to V (Art. 7(2)). Today, processing times follow national space law.

Question 6

Does an EU Space Act authorization work across all EU countries?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, a Member State would have to recognise authorisations issued by another Member State as regards the requirements of Title IV, Chapters I to V (Art. 6(2)). This does not mean a single application in every case: the authorisation is issued by the competent authority of the Member State of establishment and, where the operator intends to operate or launch from another Member State, also by that State's authority, which must coordinate (Art. 6(3)).

Question 7

How do existing space operators transition to EU Space Act compliance?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force, so there is no transition obligation yet. As proposed, it would not apply to assets launched before 1 January 2030 (Art. 2(3)(d)) and would apply from 1 January 2030 (Art. 119); for authorisations of assets planned for launch after 1 January 2030 whose critical design review ended by a date linked to its entry into force, it would apply only from 1 January 2032 (Art. 118). The proposal contains no 5-year deorbit rule (Annex V point 3.4.2 leaves the maximum LEO lifetime to an implementing act) and no third-party liability insurance obligation. Until adoption, national space laws and the national NIS2 transposition laws apply.

Question 8

Does NIS2 apply to space operators?

Accepted Answer

Partly. NIS2 (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) lists space as a sector of high criticality, but only for operators of ground-based infrastructure, owned, managed and operated by Member States or by private parties, that support the provision of space-based services, excluding providers of public electronic communications networks (Annex I, point 11). In-scope entities that exceed the ceilings for medium-sized enterprises are essential entities, medium-sized ones important entities (Art. 2(1), 3). Providers of public electronic communications networks or services, including satellite-based ones, fall under the digital infrastructure sector instead (Annex I, point 8). In-scope entities must take the measures of Art. 21 and report significant incidents under Art. 23.

Question 9

What are the NIS2 incident reporting requirements for space operators?

Accepted Answer

NIS2 Art. 23 requires essential and important entities to notify significant incidents to their CSIRT or, where applicable, their competent authority: an early warning without undue delay and in any event within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident; an incident notification within 72 hours of becoming aware, with an initial assessment; an intermediate report on request; and a final report not later than one month after the incident notification, including the root cause and the mitigation measures applied (Art. 23(1), (4)). The national transposition law sets the details.

Question 10

What's the difference between Essential and Important entities under NIS2?

Accepted Answer

Essential entities are, among others, entities in the sectors of Annex I that exceed the ceilings for medium-sized enterprises under Recommendation 2003/361/EC (Art. 3(1)(a)); important entities are the other in-scope entities, typically medium-sized ones (Art. 3(2)). Essential entities are subject to proactive supervision, including regular and targeted security audits (Art. 32(2)(b)); important entities only to ex post supervision when there is evidence, indication or information that they do not comply (Art. 33(1)). Maximum fines must be at least €10 million or 2% of total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is higher, for essential entities, and at least €7 million or 1.4% for important entities (Art. 34(4), (5)).

Question 11

What cybersecurity measures does NIS2 require for space operators?

Accepted Answer

NIS2 Article 21 requires comprehensive security measures: risk analysis and security policies, incident handling procedures, business continuity and crisis management, supply chain security assessment, security in network and system acquisition, vulnerability handling and disclosure, cybersecurity training and awareness, cryptography and encryption policies, access control and asset management, and multi-factor authentication where appropriate.

Question 12

What are NIS2 supply chain security requirements?

Accepted Answer

NIS2 requires space operators to address supply chain risks by: identifying and assessing supplier security capabilities, including security requirements in contracts, monitoring ongoing supplier compliance, ensuring subcontractor transparency, implementing component traceability, and having incident notification obligations with suppliers. This is particularly important for space systems given the long supply chains and critical nature of components.

Question 13

Which jurisdiction should I choose for my space license?

Accepted Answer

Jurisdiction choice depends on several factors: processing time (Luxembourg and UK are typically fastest), fee structure (varies significantly), insurance minimums (range from €5M to €60M+), language requirements, and regulatory expertise. Key considerations include where your company is incorporated, where you plan to launch from, and your operational requirements. Our platform compares 10 European jurisdictions (plus the EU layer) to help you find the optimal choice.

Question 14

What insurance coverage do I need for space operations?

Accepted Answer

Insurance requirements come from national space laws and differ widely. Examples: Austria requires cover of at least €60 million per insured event, with possible waiver or reduction (Weltraumgesetz § 4(4)); France fixes the amount in each authorisation within a €50–70 million range (Loi 2008-518 Art. 6, 16-17; Loi 2008-1443 Art. 119); Finland and Poland cap the cover they can require at €60 million (Laki 63/2018 § 8; Dz.U. 2026 poz. 465 Art. 34). The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) contains no third-party liability insurance obligation for operators; its only insurance rule concerns professional indemnity cover for threat-led penetration testers (Art. 88(3)).

Question 15

How do I register my satellite with the EU Space Registry?

Accepted Answer

There is no EU space object registry in force. A space object launched into Earth orbit or beyond is registered by the launching State in its national registry (Registration Convention, Art. II), and the State of registry furnishes the UN Secretary-General with the name of the launching State(s), the designator or registration number, the date and territory or location of launch, the basic orbital parameters (nodal period, inclination, apogee, perigee) and the general function (Art. IV). Operators therefore register through the national authority. The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, Art. 24) would have the EU Agency for the Space Programme set up a Union Register of Space Objects (URSO) recording authorised Union space operators, registered third-country operators and international organisations.

Question 16

How does frequency coordination work for satellites?

Accepted Answer

Frequency coordination is managed through the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). The process involves: Advance Publication Information (API) as initial notification, Coordination Request with detailed technical parameters, Coordination Negotiations to resolve potential interference, Notification for formal registration, and Bringing into Use confirmation. This process can take 2-7 years depending on the orbital regime and potential interference issues. Your authorization cannot proceed without valid frequency assignments.

Question 17

Can non-EU companies operate under EU Space Act?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, third-country space operators that provide space services to Union space operators or in relation to Union-owned assets would not be authorised but registered in URSO on the basis of a Commission decision and receive an e-certificate (Art. 14(1), 17, 25). They would have to meet most Title IV requirements (Art. 15), with a separate route for operators from jurisdictions the Commission has recognised as equivalent (Art. 16, 105), and designate a legal representative in the Union (Art. 23). The proposal contains no insurance requirement for them.

Question 18

What are the EU Space Act debris mitigation requirements?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. It sets its own requirements in Art. 70 and Annex V and does not refer to the IADC guidelines. As proposed, Union spacecraft operators would have to limit debris released in nominal operations and the risk of fragmentation, complete end-of-life disposal and have a failure response plan (Art. 70(1)), and draw up a debris control plan, an end-of-life disposal plan and a failure response plan (Art. 70(2)). The maximum orbital lifetime in LEO after the end of the mission is left to an implementing act (Annex V point 3.4.2); the proposal contains no 5-year figure. GEO spacecraft would have to be removed to an orbit not interfering with protected regions within 100 years after end of life (point 3.7). Spacecraft must be passivated (point 1.2.1(e)-(f)), design for demise is one of the steps to minimise casualty risk (point 3.5.1), and operators would have to subscribe to the EU collision avoidance service (Art. 64).

Question 19

What must a deorbit plan include?

Accepted Answer

A compliant deorbit plan must include: orbital lifetime analysis showing natural decay timeline, disposal method selection (controlled vs. uncontrolled re-entry), propellant budget allocation for deorbit maneuver, timeline for end-of-life operations, passivation procedures for all energy sources, contingency procedures for system failures, casualty risk assessment for uncontrolled re-entry against the threshold of the applicable regime (the EU Space Act proposal, COM(2025) 335, leaves the maximum to an implementing act, Annex V point 3.5.4), and verification method for successful disposal.

Question 20

What collision avoidance capabilities are required?

Accepted Answer

Operators must maintain collision avoidance capability including: ability to receive and process Conjunction Data Messages (CDMs), maneuver capability to avoid predicted collisions, participation in SSA data sharing programs, response to conjunction warnings within required timeframes, reporting of avoidance maneuvers to NCAs, and coordination with other operators when possible. Conjunction assessment services are available through EU SST and commercial providers.

Question 21

What does spacecraft passivation involve?

Accepted Answer

Passivation eliminates explosion risk from decommissioned spacecraft by addressing all energy sources: propellant must be vented or burned, batteries must be discharged and disconnected, pressure vessels must be vented, reaction wheels must be spun down, and solar arrays should be disconnected from the bus. Passivation should occur after final mission operations while ground contact is reliable, and must be documented and reported to your NCA.

Question 22

Do CubeSats need to comply with EU Space Act?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. CubeSat size alone does not create a Light Regime right. Article 10 lists research and education, simplified risk management, and IOD/IOV for small enterprises and research — not mass or duration thresholds. Software is not legal advice.

Question 23

What is Caelex and how does it help with space compliance?

Accepted Answer

Caelex is a comprehensive space compliance platform that helps satellite operators, launch providers, and space service companies navigate EU Space Act, NIS2, and national space laws. The platform features: AI-powered compliance assessment, 15 specialized compliance modules, coverage of 11 European jurisdictions, document management and deadline tracking, automated reporting, and expert guidance through ASTRA AI. We simplify complex regulations into actionable compliance roadmaps.

Question 24

How does the Caelex compliance assessment work?

Accepted Answer

Our assessment takes 5-10 minutes and asks 8 key questions about your organization and mission. Based on your answers, we determine: which EU Space Act articles apply to you, your NIS2 classification (Essential, Important, or out-of-scope), which compliance modules you need, applicable national space laws, required documentation, and timeline to compliance. You receive a personalized compliance profile with actionable recommendations.

Question 25

What can ASTRA AI help me with?

Accepted Answer

ASTRA is our AI compliance agent with 22+ specialized tools for space regulation questions. ASTRA can: search EU Space Act articles by topic, explain NIS2 Art. 21/23 duties in v1 (not the whole directive), compare national space laws across jurisdictions, help draft compliance documentation, calculate regulatory deadlines, and identify applicable requirements for your operator type. Software is not legal advice.

Question 26

What compliance modules does Caelex offer?

Accepted Answer

Caelex offers 14 compliance modules: Authorization & Licensing, Registration & Registry, Environmental Footprint, Cybersecurity & Resilience, Debris Mitigation & Safety, Insurance & Liability, Supervision & Reporting, Regulatory Intelligence, Export Control, Spectrum Management, NIS2 Compliance, COPUOS & IADC Guidelines, UK Space Industry Act, and US Regulatory. Each module provides checklists, documentation templates, and progress tracking.

Question 27

How do I compare jurisdictions on Caelex?

Accepted Answer

Our jurisdiction comparison feature analyzes 11 European space jurisdictions across key factors: authorization processing time, fee structure, insurance minimums, language requirements, regulatory expertise, EU Space Act alignment, and track record. We score each jurisdiction's favorability for different mission types and provide recommendations based on your specific requirements. Covered jurisdictions include France, UK, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and the EU framework.

Question 28

What pricing plans does Caelex offer?

Accepted Answer

Caelex offers flexible pricing for operators of all sizes: Starter (free compliance assessment and basic resources), Professional (full module access, document management, deadline tracking), Enterprise (unlimited users, custom integrations, dedicated support, SSO). All plans include ASTRA AI access. Contact us for custom pricing for large constellations or government organizations. We offer monthly and annual billing with discounts for annual commitments.

Question 29

What is Space Situational Awareness and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is the comprehensive knowledge of the space environment including tracking of space objects, space weather monitoring, and near-Earth object surveillance. For operators, SSA is critical for: collision avoidance, regulatory compliance, launch window planning, anomaly detection, and re-entry prediction. Under the EU Space Act proposal, Union spacecraft operators would have to subscribe to the collision-avoidance services of the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) provider for all mission phases except re-entry (Art. 64(1)-(2)). EU SST is part of the EU Space Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/696).

Question 30

How do requirements differ for LEO, MEO, and GEO operations?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by orbital regime. LEO (below 2,000 km) is the most crowded region. In the United States, LEO spacecraft disposed of by uncontrolled re-entry must re-enter as soon as practicable and no later than five years after end of mission (FCC, 47 CFR § 25.283(e)). The EU Space Act proposal leaves the maximum orbital lifetime after end of mission to a Commission implementing act (Annex V point 3.4.2) and would require manoeuvrability for orbits with an apogee above 400 km (Art. 66). MEO (between LEO and GEO): the proposal also leaves the disposal period to an implementing act (Annex V point 3.6). GEO (~35,786 km): under the proposal, disposal to an orbit that does not interfere with protected regions within 100 years after end of life (Annex V point 3.7; GEO protected region = GEO altitude ±200 km, Art. 5(6)); the FCC requires a disposal perigee of at least 36,021 km plus a solar-radiation-pressure term (47 CFR § 25.283(a)). Orbital positions and frequencies are coordinated under the ITU Radio Regulations. Insurance and authorisation complexity also varies by orbit.

Question 31

What are the regulatory requirements for in-orbit servicing?

Accepted Answer

Today, national space laws govern in-orbit servicing missions. The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force) would require Union space operators carrying out in-space operations and services (ISOS) to comply with Art. 101 and Annex VIII from 1 January 2034 (Art. 101(1)); spacecraft above the mini-satellite class operated for Union-owned assets would need a minimal technical capacity to receive in-space services through dedicated spacecraft service interfaces (Art. 101(2)-(3)); further requirements, including for active debris removal, would follow by delegated and implementing acts (Art. 101(4)-(5)). The proposal contains no insurance requirement for ISOS.

Question 32

How is Active Debris Removal regulated?

Accepted Answer

Active Debris Removal (ADR) operations fall under ISOS regulation with additional considerations: ownership/jurisdiction questions over debris objects, authorization requirements for capture and deorbit operations, liability for removal attempts (what if capture fails?), international coordination requirements, and technology demonstration approvals. The EU Space Act includes provisions encouraging ADR development while establishing safety standards. Several European companies are pioneering this market.

Question 33

What special requirements apply to mega-constellations?

Accepted Answer

Large constellations face additional scrutiny: comprehensive spectrum coordination for thousands of satellites, cumulative debris risk assessment across the constellation, coordinated collision avoidance procedures, phased deployment authorization, fleet-wide insurance considerations, enhanced cybersecurity for networked systems, and environmental impact assessment for atmospheric effects. Regulators are developing specific guidelines for constellation operators given the scale of impact on the orbital environment.

Question 34

How does the EU Space Act interact with national space laws?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, it would be a regulation, binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States (Art. 119). Member States could not restrict, for reasons of safety, resilience or environmental sustainability, space services by providers registered in the Union register (Art. 3(1)); but a Member State authorising an operation or launch on its territory by an operator from another Member State could impose stricter requirements where objectively necessary (Art. 3(2)). Authorisations are recognised as regards Title IV, Chapters I to V (Art. 6(2)). The proposal is without prejudice to national security (Art. 4), does not apply to space objects used exclusively for defence or national security (Art. 2(3)), and contains no rules on liability or insurance, which stay with national law.

Question 35

What is the EU Space Registry and what must be registered?

Accepted Answer

There is no EU space object registry in force. Space objects are registered by the launching State in its national registry and notified to the UN Secretary-General (Registration Convention, Art. II and IV). The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force) would create a Union Register of Space Objects (URSO), kept by the EU Agency for the Space Programme, recording authorised Union space operators, registered third-country operators and international organisations (Art. 24(1)); the Agency would publish consolidated lists of these providers (Art. 24(2)).

Question 36

I'm based outside the EU. When do I need EU Space Act authorization?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force. As proposed, third-country space operators would not be authorised but registered in the Union Register of Space Objects on the basis of a Commission decision (Art. 14(1), 17) if they provide space services to Union space operators or in relation to Union-owned assets, act as primary providers of space-based data, or serve such providers (Art. 5(19)). They would have to meet most Title IV requirements (Art. 15) — or follow the equivalence route (Art. 16, 105) — and designate a legal representative in the Union (Art. 23). A third-country operator launching from a Member State's territory is authorised by that State (Art. 7(7)). Today, national space laws apply.

Question 37

What's the difference between essential and important entities under NIS2?

Accepted Answer

Under NIS2 (Directive (EU) 2022/2555), essential entities are, among others, entities in the sectors of Annex I that exceed the ceilings for medium-sized enterprises (Art. 3(1)(a)); important entities are the other in-scope entities of Annexes I and II (Art. 3(2)). In the space sector, Annex I point 11 covers only operators of ground-based infrastructure supporting space-based services. Providers of public electronic communications networks or services, including satellite-based ones, fall under Annex I point 8, and manufacturers in NACE division 30 (other transport equipment, which covers air and spacecraft) under Annex II point 5(f). Maximum fines must be at least EUR 10 million or 2% of worldwide turnover for essential entities and at least EUR 7 million or 1.4% for important entities (Art. 34(4)-(5)).

Question 38

What are the NIS2 supply chain security requirements?

Accepted Answer

NIS2 Article 21(2)(d) mandates supply chain security. For space operators, this means: assessing security of direct suppliers and service providers, incorporating security requirements into procurement contracts, verifying component authenticity (especially for spacecraft hardware), managing ITAR/EAR compliance integration, evaluating launch service provider security practices, and considering geographic supply chain risks. Organizations must document their supply chain security approach and conduct periodic reviews of supplier security posture.

Question 39

How do I report incidents that affect multiple countries?

Accepted Answer

For cross-border incidents, report to your primary NCA (where you're established) within the standard timeline (24h early warning, 72h notification). Include cross-border impact assessment identifying affected countries. Your NCA coordinates with other affected NCAs through the EU cybersecurity network. For space systems, cross-border impact is common (satellite coverage spans multiple countries), so include this analysis in your incident response procedures. Consider service-level impacts, not just technical impacts.

Question 40

How long does the authorization process take?

Accepted Answer

Standard regime authorization takes approximately 90 days from complete application submission. Light regime applications target 45 days. However, actual timelines depend on: application completeness (incomplete applications pause the clock), complexity of the mission, NCA workload, need for clarifications or additional information, and coordination with other authorities. Pre-application engagement with your NCA typically adds 2-4 weeks but significantly improves success rates. Plan for 4-6 months from first contact to authorization.

Question 41

Can I transfer my authorization to another entity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, authorizations are transferable with NCA approval. The process requires: joint application from transferor and transferee, demonstration that the transferee meets all qualification requirements, evidence of adequate financial capacity and insurance, updated organizational and technical documentation, and verification of ongoing compliance capability. Processing typically takes 30-60 days. The transfer becomes effective upon NCA written approval. Unauthorized transfers can result in authorization revocation.

Question 42

Do I need separate authorization for each satellite in a constellation?

Accepted Answer

Under the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force), a Union space operator launching a satellite constellation would apply for a single authorisation covering the launch (and, where applicable, the operation) of all its satellites, provided the satellites are identical and perform the same tasks in the same manner and are launched with the same vehicle from the same site (Art. 9(1)). If the assessment of one satellite shows compliance with Title IV, Chapters I to V, the authorisation covers the whole constellation (Art. 9(2)). Today, national licensing practice decides whether one licence can cover several satellites.

Question 43

I'm an existing operator. What's my compliance timeline?

Accepted Answer

COM(2025) 335 is a proposal, not in force, so there is no compliance deadline yet. As proposed, it would apply from 1 January 2030 (Art. 119) and would not cover assets launched before that date (Art. 2(3)(d)); for authorisations of assets planned for launch after 1 January 2030 whose critical design review ended by a date linked to its entry into force, it would apply only from 1 January 2032 (Art. 118). Until then, national space laws and the national NIS2 transposition laws apply.

Question 44

What are the ongoing compliance obligations after authorization?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing duties follow from the national licence and law — for example an annual activity report to the ministry in Finland (Laki 63/2018 § 14) or notification of register changes without delay in Poland (Dz.U. 2026 poz. 465, Art. 48). NIS2 entities must maintain their risk-management measures and report significant incidents (Directive (EU) 2022/2555, Art. 21, 23). Under the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force), competent authorities would supervise Union space operators (Art. 29-30), significant incidents would be reported (Art. 93), and changes to operations and the start of disposal would be reported to the EU collision avoidance provider (Art. 64(3)).

Question 45

How should I prepare for NCA compliance audits?

Accepted Answer

NCA audits examine: authorization condition adherence, technical compliance (debris, cybersecurity), documentation currency, incident response capability, and organizational changes. Preparation includes: maintaining up-to-date compliance documentation, conducting internal audits annually, ensuring staff understand obligations, testing incident response procedures, verifying insurance remains adequate, and documenting all operational decisions. Designate a compliance contact who can coordinate with auditors and access all relevant documentation.

Question 46

Does Caelex integrate with other systems?

Accepted Answer

Caelex provides API access (v1) for integration with: flight dynamics systems (orbital data import), ground segment software (operational status), document management systems (compliance documentation), GRC platforms (governance integration), and incident management tools (NIS2 reporting). Our API supports standard formats including CCSDS for orbital data. Enterprise customers can configure custom integrations. Contact us for specific integration requirements.

Question 47

Can Caelex manage multiple missions or constellations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Caelex supports multi-mission and constellation management. Features include: organization-level compliance dashboards, mission-specific tracking and deadlines, fleet-wide reporting capabilities, shared documentation libraries, role-based access across missions, and consolidated regulatory timeline view. Enterprise plans include advanced multi-mission features including constellation-level compliance assessment and aggregated reporting.

Question 48

What are the trackability requirements for spacecraft?

Accepted Answer

Under the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, not in force), Union spacecraft operators would have to ensure that a spacecraft has the technical means for trackability and precise orbit determination (Art. 63(1), Annex III point 1): they transmit the spacecraft's position to the EU collision avoidance provider, with tracking as precise as possible and based on passive or active tracking, and share ephemeris, a strategy for action and covariances soon after injection (Annex III points 1.1-1.6). The required precision would be set by implementing act (Art. 63(2)). Today, trackability requirements come from national licence conditions.

Question 49

What is design for demise and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

Design for demise (D4D) means designing spacecraft to fully break apart and burn up during atmospheric re-entry, minimizing casualty risk on ground. Required when: controlled re-entry isn't feasible, spacecraft has significant re-entry mass, or when materials might survive re-entry. D4D involves: using demisable materials, avoiding high-melting-point components where possible, structural design for early break-up, and assessment of ground casualty risk (must be below 1:10,000). Document D4D analysis in your debris mitigation plan.

Question 50

Do I need propulsion on my spacecraft?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but several rules point towards it. Under the EU Space Act proposal, spacecraft in orbits with an apogee above 400 km would need manoeuvrability that allows them to respond to high interest event alerts and to perform end-of-life disposal (Art. 66); trackable research spacecraft in orbits below 600 km can be exempted case by case (Art. 62). Each spacecraft of a constellation (10 or more operational spacecraft, Art. 5(3)-(5)) would need a propulsion system (Art. 73(1)(a)). The proposal leaves the maximum orbital lifetime in LEO after end of mission to a Commission implementing act (Annex V point 3.4.2), so it sets no year limit itself. In the United States, LEO spacecraft disposed of by uncontrolled re-entry must re-enter no later than five years after end of mission (FCC, 47 CFR § 25.283(e)); a spacecraft whose orbit does not decay within that time needs propulsion or another disposal means. Mission needs such as station-keeping also matter.

Question 51

How does space weather affect compliance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Space weather impacts compliance in several ways: orbital lifetime calculations must account for solar activity effects on atmospheric drag; radiation environment affects spacecraft design requirements; geomagnetic storms can affect conjunction assessment accuracy; and solar events may require operational responses. Your orbital analysis should use appropriate solar activity models. Cybersecurity measures should account for space weather effects on communications. Consider space weather in your continuity planning.

Question 52

How is authorization handled for hosted payloads on another operator's spacecraft?

Accepted Answer

Hosted payloads typically require separate authorization from the host spacecraft. The host operator is authorized for spacecraft operation, while the payload operator needs authorization for their specific activities (e.g., Earth observation, communications). Both operators must coordinate on: liability allocation, insurance coverage, frequency coordination, cybersecurity responsibilities, and end-of-life procedures. Document the relationship in both authorization applications. Some NCAs allow streamlined processes for hosted payload authorization.

FAQ

EU Space Act

NIS2 Directive

Licensing & Authorization

Compliance

Caelex Platform

Technical Requirements

Need more help?