SAB and SatCen sign memorandum of cooperation
As the EU Space Security Accreditation Board (SAB) continues to mark its 15th anniversary, it recently added another milestone to its list of achievements.
SAB Chair Philippe Bertrand announced the signing of a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) regarding the pilot EU Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS).
“Considering SAB’s position as the security accreditation authority for the entire EU Space Programme and the critical role that SatCen plays in Earth Observation, cooperation between the two is non-negotiable,” says Bertrand. “This MoC allows SAB and SatCen to jointly prepare for any evolutions of the EOGS programme should the co-legislators decide to do so in the future.”
"This MoC will enable SatCen, in close collaboration with EUSpace SAB and the Member States, to proactively develop, test and deliver a pilot project for a potential future EOGS supporting the autonomous decision making of the EU and its Member States”, adds SatCen Director Louis Tillier.
Harnessing space data for autonomous European decision-making
Available to EU Member States, the future EOGS will harness space data in support of autonomous European decision-making in the areas of security and defence. The EOGS pilot project is designed to test a preliminary service and establish a governance that Member States can trust.
This pilot will be implemented by SatCen within Copernicus, Europe’s Earth Observation programme. The MoC sets the terms and conditions for the cooperation and exchange of information between SAB and SatCen for the purposes of the security accreditation of the Copernicus services that SatCen uses.
About SAB and SatCen
An independent body within EUSPA, the Security Accreditation Board is composed of a representative from each Member State, the Commission and from the High Representative for the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. As the security accreditation authority for all EU Space Programme components, the Member States, through the SAB, independently ensure that all systems comply with the relevant security requirements and provide statements of approval to operate for the systems and services.
The European Union Satellite Centre supports EU decision-making and action in the context of Europe's Common Foreign and Security Policy. It does this by providing products and services based on space assets and collateral data, including satellite and aerial imagery, and related services. SatCen is also maximising synergies with other Union activities by being entrusted by the Commission, after approval by Member States, in the area of space and security through Copernicus.
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