EU Space and security

EUSPA: the security gatekeeper of the EU Space Programme

In addition to its responsibility for implementing the EU Space Programme, EUSPA also oversees its security – taking steps to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data and services the programme provides. 

Within its security role, the Agency is in charge of the operational security, security monitoring and the security accreditation of the EU Space Programme. 

Operational security looks to ensure that the systems in operation comply with the general security requirements established by the threat and risk analysis. Security monitoring is ensured by the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC), which is operated by EUSPA. Security accreditation is provided by the Security Accreditation Board (SAB).

Not only is security at the centre of EUSPA’s mission, it’s also at the heart of every service – from design to implementation. This starts with the EUSPA Security Department providing the cybersecurity and engineering competence for all components of the EU Space Programme, including:

EGNSS (Galileo / EGNOS)

Ensuring that the systems in operation comply with the general security requirements established using a threat and risk analysis.

GOVSATCOM

The EU Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) Programme aims to provide secure and cost-efficient communications capabilities to security and safety critical missions and operations managed by the EU and its Member States, including national security actors and EU Agencies and institutions.

EUSPA is responsible for procuring the GOVSATCOM Hub, the programme’s secure operational ground segment. It is also responsible for the Hub’s operations and the coordination of the user-related aspects of the programme, all in close collaboration with Member States and other involved entities.

EU SST

A key component of the EU Space Programme, the EU SST safeguards Europe’s space assets – including Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and GOVSATCOM satellites – along with those of its Member States and other space operators.

In addition to its SST Front Desk responsibilities, EUSPA will support the system’s security monitoring, particularly as to establishing the security requirements needed to shape the SST network. The Agency will also operate the security monitoring of said network. 

EUSPA further provides security support to such European Commission initiatives as the Euro Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), along with the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence (EUSSD). Adopted in March 2023, the EUSSD is a direct implementation of the EU Strategic Compass, in which space, together with cyber and maritime, are identified as contested strategic domains, the security of which must be ensured.