EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa’s Mandate Extended for Five Years
Following the positive vote of the EUSPA Administrative Board, Rodrigo da Costa has been officially extended in his mandate as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) for an additional five years.
Since assuming the role in mid-October 2020, Rodrigo da Costa has led EUSPA through a period of growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the Agency has reinforced its position of the user-oriented operational arm of the EU Space Programme, driving innovation, ensuring the delivery of secure and reliable space services, and strengthening the European Union’s strategic autonomy in space.
“It is an honour to continue leading EUSPA at such a pivotal time for the European Union’s space ambitions,” said Rodrigo da Costa. “Together with our highly skilled and dedicated team, I am ready to build on our successes, strengthen the resilience and security of our space infrastructures, and ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.”
During his first mandate, EUSPA achieved major milestones across all components of the EU Space Programme. Galileo continues to deliver world-class navigation performance; EGNOS procedures are now installed in more than 550 airports; and the Agency successfully took over the Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Front Desk, improving space safety for European assets. The work on Copernicus market uptake has also led to several achievements, including the development of new Copernicus demonstrators. The operational delivery of GOVSATCOM and the upcoming IRIS² constellation is also advancing, which will provide secure satellite communications for European Union governments.
Beyond operations and security, EUSPA has played a central role in fostering the downstream space economy, supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups through initiatives such as CASSINI, the EU Space Academy, and the Horizon Europe downstream projects. The Agency has also seen significant progress in talent development, reinforcing its position as a key institution for nurturing the next generation of European space professionals.
“In the last years, EUSPA has consolidated its role as a cornerstone of the EU Space Programme, ensuring operational excellence while embracing innovation and collaboration,” said Paul Liias, Chair of the EUSPA Administrative Board. “The Board’s decision reflects our confidence in the Executive Director vision and in the Agency’s capacity to continue delivering for the European Union and its citizens.”
As EUSPA moves into this new phase, the Agency remains committed to delivering excellence, promoting security and resilience, and bringing the benefits of space closer to everyday life in the European Union.
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