The European Commission unveiled a comprehensive Space Act proposal designed to tackle the escalating crisis of space debris and satellite congestion, imposing stringent new rules on operators whilst bolstering the bloc’s strategic autonomy in orbit, according to Politico.
The legislation, announced on Wednesday, comes as Earth’s orbital environment faces unprecedented strain from over 10,000 active satellites and mounting space junk, with mega-constellations like Elon Musk’s Starlink transforming low-Earth orbit into a contested domain.
The proposed rules mandate satellite operators to implement rigorous safety protocols, including launch safety certifications and end-of-life disposal plans to prevent defunct spacecraft from becoming hazardous debris. Companies must actively limit space, light, and radio-frequency pollution and calculate their environmental footprint.
A centralised EU space database will track orbital objects, while national governments must empower regulators to enforce the rules. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to twice the profits gained from violations or 2% of global annual turnover where damages cannot be quantified.
Operators must also conduct cybersecurity risk assessments and deploy cryptographic protections, with information-sharing encouraged to thwart attacks. Notably, satellites exclusively for defence or national security are exempt.
Geopolitical imperatives and the Musk factor
The urgency of the Act is inextricably linked to European sovereignty concerns, particularly the bloc’s reliance on foreign satellite networks. Elon Musk’s Starlink, which dominates low-Earth orbit with thousands of satellites, has demonstrated both the strategic value of space-based connectivity, as seen in Ukraine, and the vulnerabilities of dependency on a single non-EU provider.
Concurrently, the EU is pursuing financial muscle to back its space ambitions. French President Emmanuel Macron recently demanded the next EU budget allocate substantially more funds to space, arguing this is essential to remain competitive with global powers. His call followed France’s move to increase its stake in Eutelsat, a Franco-British Starlink rival.
Non-EU companies seeking market access must appoint an EU-based legal representative and comply fully unless their home jurisdiction is deemed “equivalent” by the Commission, a status potentially available to US firms. This provision aims to level the playing field whilst ensuring oversight of international operators.
The proposal enters interinstitutional negotiations between the Council of the EU and European Parliament, with applicability slated for 2030.
