EUSPA evolves to meet growing operational demands across the EU Space Programme
EUSPA is advancing an evolution of its organisational structure to reinforce its growing operational responsibilities and strengthen the delivery of critical governmental services, notably Galileo’s Public Regulated Service (PRS) Initial Operational Capability.
At its June 2026 meeting, the Administrative Board approved a proposal from the Executive Director to adjust EUSPA’s organisation. The change ensures that the Agency can continue to meet all operational demands from 1 July 2026.
EUSPA’s current organisation was approved by the Administrative Board in October 2021 and updated in March 2023 with the inclusion of the Accounting Officer function. Since then, the Agency has continuously adapted its internal structures to improve effectiveness, efficiency and resilience.
As EUSPA’s role in the delivery of governmental services (GOVSATCOM Hub has been operated since January 2026) continues to expand, the Agency is preparing for a new operational phase. With Galileo PRS Initial Operational Capability approaching, EUSPA will provide secure operational services to governmental, security and defence users on a 24/7 basis. Additional governmental services are expected to follow in the future.
“The evolution of our organisation reflects EUSPA’s growing operational role and strategic importance within the EU Space Programme,” said Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA. “These changes are designed to make the Agency more efficient, more operational and better equipped to deliver secure, resilient and high-performing services to European users, particularly in support of governmental and security-related needs.”
The evolution is guided by key principles: strengthening the chain of command for operations, reinforcing operational security and cyber resilience while continuing to ensure full accountability and that the Agency continues to deliver services aligned with user needs.
A central element of the new structure is the creation of a dedicated Operations Department, bringing together all real-time and near real-time operational activities of the Agency, initially focused on Galileo and EGNOS Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services. The Department oversees 24/7 service operations, security monitoring, resilience, service performance and availability, operational security, business continuity management, and operational interfaces with service providers and users, especially governmental users. The Department also manages day-to-day operational contracts and will be empowered to make operational decisions autonomously.
At the EU Space component level, EUSPA is reorganising to improve coherence and efficiency across programme implementation activities. All navigation-related programme activities are now consolidated into a new Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Department, responsible for managing Galileo and EGNOS programme activities, including their budget and schedule. This Department will oversee the development and deployment of new services and infrastructures until they transition into operations.
The organisational evolution also supports continued service innovation, including Galileo High Accuracy Service, Open Service Navigation Message Authentication, Emergency Warning Satellite Service and the EGNOS Maritime Service.
To support growing capabilities in space security, a new Situational Awareness Department, which includes the Space Surveillance and Tracking Front Desk transferred to the Agency in July 2023, has also been established.
EUSPA is also streamlining executive and corporate functions to improve efficiency. The Office of the Executive Director and Communications functions are now merged into a new Executive Director Services Department, reinforcing synergies and improving operational coordination. The Accounting and Internal Control Coordinator functions are also consolidated to reinforce efficiency and governance.
Further changes include the integration of the Security Authority with Corporate Quality and General Inspection functions, strengthening oversight in security, cyber auditing, quality management, aviation safety certification and compliance activities.
Overall, the evolution, approved by the Member States and European Commission representatives, positions EUSPA to meet increasing operational demands while enhancing efficiency, accountability and service excellence across the EU Space Programme.
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