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Compliance Timeline

Key dates and deadlines for EU Space Act implementation. Plan your compliance roadmap with these critical milestones.

Critical Deadlines

August 2026

Authorization Required for New Activities

All new space activities must be authorized before commencement

176Days remaining
August 2027

Existing Operators Compliance

All existing operators must obtain authorization

541Days remaining

Full Implementation Timeline

July 2025Completed

Regulation Published

EU Space Act published in Official Journal of the European Union

  • Official publication in OJ L series
  • 20-day period before entry into force
  • Beginning of awareness period for operators
August 2025Completed

Entry into Force

Regulation enters into force, transitional period begins

  • Regulation becomes legally binding
  • NCAs begin setting up authorization procedures
  • Transitional provisions apply to existing operators
Q4 2025

NCA Designation Deadline

Member States must designate National Competent Authorities

  • Each Member State designates one or more NCAs
  • NCAs must have adequate resources and expertise
  • Contact points published on Commission website
February 2026

Delegated Acts Published

Commission publishes detailed technical standards

  • Debris mitigation technical requirements
  • Cybersecurity baseline standards
  • Insurance minimum coverage amounts
  • LCA methodology specifications
August 2026Critical

New Operations Compliance

All new space activities require authorization

  • No space activity without prior authorization
  • Applications must be submitted 6 months in advance
  • Full compliance with all requirements
Q4 2026

Registry Operational

EU Space Object Registry fully operational

  • Mandatory registration for all EU space objects
  • Integration with national registries
  • Connection to EU SST system
August 2027Critical

Existing Operators Deadline

Existing operators must obtain authorization

  • 2-year transition period ends
  • All existing operations must be authorized
  • Compliance plans must be approved
2028

First Compliance Audits

NCAs begin systematic compliance audits

  • Regular inspection programs begin
  • Document retention requirements enforced
  • Penalty framework fully operational
2029

5-Year Deorbit Rule

Stricter deorbit timeline requirement takes effect

  • LEO satellites must deorbit within 5 years of EOL
  • Replaces previous 25-year guideline
  • Applies to all new missions from this date
2030

First Review

Commission reviews regulation effectiveness

  • Assessment of implementation across Member States
  • Evaluation of debris mitigation progress
  • Potential amendments proposed

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