Space Law Glossary
28 essential terms for understanding EU Space Act compliance and space regulation terminology.
Authorization
The formal approval granted by a National Competent Authority (NCA) permitting an operator to conduct specific space activities. Required before commencing any space operation under the EU Space Act.
Collision Avoidance Maneuver (CAM)
An orbital adjustment performed by a spacecraft operator to reduce the probability of collision with another space object, typically executed when conjunction analysis indicates unacceptable risk levels.
Conjunction Assessment
The process of analyzing predicted close approaches between space objects to determine collision probability and inform decisions about avoidance maneuvers. The EU SST system provides conjunction warnings to operators.
De-orbit
The controlled or uncontrolled descent of a spacecraft from orbit, resulting in atmospheric re-entry. The EU Space Act requires LEO satellites to de-orbit within 5 years of end-of-mission.
Delegated Acts
Secondary legislation adopted by the European Commission to supplement the EU Space Act with detailed technical requirements. These specify insurance minimums, debris mitigation standards, and reporting formats.
Design for Demise
Spacecraft design approach that ensures complete or near-complete destruction during atmospheric re-entry, minimizing the risk of debris surviving to reach Earth's surface.
End-of-Life (EOL)
The point at which a spacecraft ceases active operations, either due to mission completion, system failure, or operational decision. EOL triggers disposal obligations under the EU Space Act.
EU SST (Space Surveillance and Tracking)
The European Union's system for monitoring space objects, providing conjunction warnings, and supporting space situational awareness. Operators must register with and respond to EU SST warnings.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
A circular orbit approximately 35,786 km above Earth's equator where satellites appear stationary relative to a point on Earth. GEO satellites have specific disposal requirements involving transfer to graveyard orbits.
Graveyard Orbit
An orbit significantly above GEO (typically 300+ km higher) used for disposal of geostationary satellites at end-of-life. Transfer to graveyard orbit preserves the valuable GEO belt for active missions.
In-Orbit Servicing (IOS)
Space activities involving close proximity operations with other spacecraft, including inspection, refueling, repair, upgrade, or relocation. Subject to enhanced authorization requirements due to collision risk.
IADC Guidelines
Space debris mitigation guidelines published by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, referenced as baseline standards in the EU Space Act for debris prevention and disposal practices.
LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
Orbital region from approximately 160 km to 2,000 km altitude. The EU Space Act's 5-year de-orbit requirement applies primarily to LEO satellites.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A systematic analysis of environmental impacts throughout a product's life, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, operation, and disposal. Required for spacecraft and launch vehicles under the EU Space Act.
National Competent Authority (NCA)
The governmental body designated by each EU Member State to implement the EU Space Act, including processing authorization applications, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance.
Operator
Any natural or legal person that conducts or intends to conduct space activities. This includes satellite operators, launch service providers, ground segment operators, and in-orbit servicing providers.
Orbital Regime
A classification of orbits based on altitude and characteristics, including LEO, MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), GEO, and HEO (Highly Elliptical Orbit). Different regimes have different regulatory requirements.
Passivation
The removal of all stored energy sources from a spacecraft at end-of-life, including depleting propellant, discharging batteries, and venting pressure vessels. Required to prevent fragmentation events.
Proximity Operations
Spacecraft maneuvers conducted in close vicinity to another space object, typically within a few kilometers. Subject to enhanced safety requirements and coordination obligations.
Re-entry
The return of a space object to Earth's atmosphere, either controlled (targeted to unpopulated areas) or uncontrolled (natural decay). The EU Space Act requires casualty risk assessment for all re-entries.
Space Activity
Under the EU Space Act, any activity involving the launch, operation, guidance, or return of a space object, including ground segment operations essential to spacecraft control.
Space Debris
Non-functional human-made objects in space, including defunct satellites, rocket bodies, fragmentation debris, and mission-related objects. Mitigation of debris generation is a core EU Space Act requirement.
Space Object
Any human-made object launched or intended to be launched into outer space, including satellites, launch vehicle stages, and any components thereof. All space objects must be registered under the EU Space Act.
Space Object Registry
The EU database of space objects authorized or registered under Member State jurisdiction, containing orbital parameters, operator information, and mission status. Complements the UN Registry of Space Objects.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
The knowledge and characterization of the space environment, including tracking of space objects, space weather monitoring, and near-Earth object observation.
Sustainability Report
Annual or biennial report required from operators detailing environmental performance, including emissions data, debris generation metrics, and progress toward sustainability targets.
Third-Party Liability
Legal responsibility for damage caused to parties not involved in a space activity, including damage to other operators' spacecraft, ground infrastructure, or persons and property on Earth.
Transfer of Authorization
The process by which an authorization is reassigned from one operator to another, requiring NCA approval and demonstration that the new operator meets all applicable requirements.
Ready to assess your compliance?
Use our free tool to understand which EU Space Act requirements apply to you.
Start Assessment→