Policy
EU proposes unified space law to tackle orbital debris, boost industry
The European Union (EU) has announced legislation to harmonize space regulations across its 27 member states. Doing so would address the growing problem of orbital debris and enhance its space industry.
By AFP and BlueShift |
The European Union (EU) last month laid out plans to harmonize the bloc's space rules and boost its industry's competitiveness.
Currently, 12 EU nations have individual space laws, with another in development, according to Andrius Kubilius, the EU commissioner for Space.
"This fragmentation is bad for business, bad for competitiveness, bad for our future in space," he said at a Brussels news conference on June 24.
"Today we propose one single set of rules," he added, noting that the envisaged EU Space Act marked the first EU attempt to regulate space activities.
The proposed legislation includes measures to track space objects, limit the creation of new debris and ensure the safe disposal of satellites at the end of their operational life.
These are critical steps as the number of satellites in orbit is expected to surge from 11,000 to 50,000 over the next decade.
At the same time, the presence of more than 128 million pieces of space debris -- including rocket parts and defunct satellites -- poses significant risks of collisions.
The legislation proposes common rules for measuring the environmental impact of emissions and debris generated by the space sector so that space activities are conducted sustainably, minimize harm to the environment and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic collisions.
The proposed regulations would require space operators to conduct risk assessments throughout a satellite's life cycle and adhere to cybersecurity protocols.
The rules would apply to non-EU operators offering services within the bloc.
Improving competitiveness
The comprehensive approach is aimed at ensuring that all entities operating in European space adhere to the same standards, level the playing field and enhancing safety and sustainability.
The proposal is subject to negotiations with the European Parliament and member states.
Europe's commercial space industry has faced challenges in keeping pace with its peers.
The fragmented patchwork of national laws governing space activities within the EU is a major obstacle that creates barriers for businesses operating across the bloc.
Currently, 57% of private investment in the space sector goes to the United States, followed by China with 15%. The EU and Britain together attract only 11% of global space investment, highlighting the need to improve competitiveness.
By addressing regulatory fragmentation and prioritizing sustainability, the EU hopes to secure its role in the evolving space industry while safeguarding the environment and reducing risks associated with orbital debris.