The European GNSS Agency has officially become the European Union Agency for the Space Program, EUSPA, marking the start of a new era for this program. Building on the legacy of the European GNSS Agency, EUSPA will take on more responsibilities to create even more opportunities for EU citizens and the economy.
What has changed? Under the new Space Regulation, EUSPA’s mandate will now include: increased responsibilities in Galileo and EGNOS, including enhanced management responsibilities for the operations and service provision; the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Program, the operation of the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre, together with operational security; the coordination of the user-related aspects of European Union Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM), in close collaboration with the Member States and other involved entities; the development of downstream markets and fostering of innovation based on Galileo and EGNOS, and now including also Copernicus, leveraging funding mechanisms such as Fundamental Elements and Horizon Europe. The European Commission (EC) may also decide to entrust the Agency with other tasks in the future.
With the key contribution of EUSPA, the new EU Space Program provides for a streamlined approach toward the development and use of EU space assets. This will guarantee continuity of service and security of infrastructure and systems while ensuring the means to develop the EU´s role in Space. This consolidates the flagship programs Galileo/EGNOS and Copernicus, supports the implementation of the EU priorities, notably the Green Deal, digital transition and enhances Europe’s resilience and contribute to the safety and security of its citizens, open also the door to further initiatives such as secured connectivity.
“More and more, our economies, our society and our safety depend on Space. Europe has incredible opportunities ahead that cannot be missed. By creating EUSPA, the European Union will further increase the return on investment made by the EU citizen in the EU Space Programme by strengthening its contribution to the EU´s priorities. This will be achieved primarily by leveraging synergies between the various Programme components, particularly navigation, Earth observation and secure communications, to drive innovation across a broad range of sectors. EUSPA will play a key role to implement the EU Space Programme and turn the EU space ambitions into a realit,,” said EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa.
“The new Agency has a core role in the security accreditation of all the components of the EU Space Programme. Ensuring an acceptable risk appetite for the different components is critical for the security, safety and autonomy of the Union and its Member States. The Member States, gathering in their capacity as Security Accreditation Authority of the EU Space Programme collectively exercise this responsibility to meet the security requirements for all the space components,” said Bruno Vermeire, Security Accreditation Board Chair of EUSPA.
The European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) provides safe and secure European satellite navigation services, promotes the commercialization of Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus data and services and coordinates the EU’s forthcoming governmental satellite communications program GOVSATCOM. EUSPA is responsible for the security accreditation of all the EU Space Program components. By fostering the development of an innovative and competitive space sector and engaging with the entire EU Space community, EUSPA contributes to the European Green Deal and digital transition, the safety and security of the Union and its citizens, while reinforcing its autonomy and resilience.
