The Strategy outlines the counterspace capabilities and main threats in space that put at risk space systems and their ground infrastructure, building on a common definition of the space domain.

According to this new definition, the Space Domain includes all elements relevant for the functioning of space systems and the delivery of space-based services. This includes the physical space environment, different orbits and spacecraft, their ground and launch infrastructure, radio frequency links, user terminals, information related to and delivered from these space assets, the relating cyber environment and the underlying industrial space sector.

The counterspace capabilities, can thus be directed against space systems, their supporting ground infrastructure, and the data-links between space systems and the ground infrastructure and can include direct-ascent and co-orbital anti-satellite systems, cyber-attacks, electronic warfare and directed energy.

To increase the common understanding of threats across Member States, the High Representative will prepare a classified annual space threat landscape analysis at EU level, drawing on Member States´ intelligence.

The Strategy proposes actions to strengthen the resilience and protection of space systems and services in the EU. For this purpose, the Commission will consider proposing a series of initiatives, including:

• proposing an EU Space Law to provide a common framework for security, safety, and sustainability in Space;
• setting up of an Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) to raise awareness and facilitate exchange of best practices;
• launching a preparatory work to ensure long-term EU autonomous access to space, addressing in particular the security and defence needs;
• Enhancing the technological sovereignty of the EU by reducing strategic dependencies and ensuring security of supply for space and defence, in close coordination with the European Defence Agency and the European Space Agency.

The strategy outlines concrete measures to mobilise relevant EU tools to respond to space threats, including expanding the existing space threat response mechanism based on the Council Decision 2021/698, to better detect and identify space objects, to characterise inappropriate behaviours in orbit and protect EU assets.

The EEAS will also carry out space exercises, including with partners, to test and develop further the EU's response to space threats and explore solidarity mechanisms.

Follow the link to learn more about EU space exercises in 2024 (PDF)

The Strategy proposes to maximise the use of space for security and defence purposes. The development of dual-use services requires taking into account defence requirements when preparing the evolution of the EU space programmes. The Strategy proposes to:

• Launch two pilot projects one to test the delivery of initial space domain awareness services building upon capacities of Member States, and a second one to test a new earth observation governmental service as part of the evolution of Copernicus.
• Better connect space, defence and security at EU level and ensure synergies and cross-fertilisation, notably in terms of research and development.
• Propose concrete measures to foster collaborative work between space and defence start-ups
• Enhance skills related to the development of space sfervices for security and defence.

Through the Strategy, the EU will strengthen its engagement in multilateral fora and promote norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviours in outer space through concrete and pragmatic steps. The Strategy will deepen existing space security cooperation, in particular with the United States, and expand exchanges with other partners, including NATO, as well as other like-minded countries.

Follow the links below for further reading:

• Joint Communication on an EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence (EUSSSD)
• Factsheet on EU Space Strategy for Security & Defence
• Questions & Answers on EU SSSD
• Press release: Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) exercises
• EEAS Space home