The EU Space Programme

The EU Space Programme is the first integrated space programme created by the European Union to support its space policy, address societal challenges such as climate change and technological innovation, support the EU internal market – and more.

Today, that programme consists of several flagship components:

Copernicus

Copernicus is the European Union's Earth Observation programme, looking at our planet and its environment to the benefit of all European citizens. It offers information services that draw from satellite Earth Observation and in-situ (non-space) data.

EGNOS

The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS)  increases the accuracy of satellite navigation signals and provides a crucial integrity message that informs users in the event of signal problems. 

Galileo 

Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Galileo provides accurate, reliable and precise positioning, navigation, timing and safety services to over 3 billion users worldwide.

GOVSATCOM

The Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) programme will provide secure and cost-efficient communication 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.

IRIS2

Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS2) will provide secure communication services to the EU and its Member States, as well as broadband connectivity for European citizens, private companies and governmental authorities.

Space Situational Awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) refers to the knowledge of the space environment, including the location and function of space objects and space weather phenomena. It plays a key role in ensuring the safety and security of the European economies, societies and citizens who rely on space-based applications.

While each component provides unique services in and of itself, the EU Space Programme is at its most powerful when the components work in synergy together.

 

Read: EU Space Programme Overview 

Updated: Feb 02, 2024