The European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, mentioned the possible creation of a European Space Command in the medium and long term, at the 14th European Space Conference on Tuesday 25 January in Brussels.
In his introductory speech, Mr Breton developed his priorities in the field of space, in particular in relation to the European strategy on Space and Defence, which is expected to be presented at the end of 2023 (see EUROPE 12833/4).
“We should set up a new governance for our space programme to better respond to threats. In addition to the established crisis management protocol, we could better organise joint situational awareness with the participation of all actors. Our medium- and long-term goal could be to establish a true European Space Command”, the Commissioner told an audience that was partly in-person and partly online.
The French initiative could be a source of inspiration, a source told us.
The French Space Command (CDE), headquartered in Toulouse, was created in September 2019, after, among other things, an act of espionage on a French-Italian satellite by a Russian satellite in 2017. Across the Atlantic, former US President Donald Trump re-established the United States Space Command in August 2019.
A ‘defence and security’ component for Copernicus...
Turning to the issue of security, Mr Breton said that he wanted to “extend” the defence dimension of existing infrastructures, as foreseen in the draft “Strategic Compass” currently under discussion (see EUROPE 12874/9).
The Commissioner took the example of the European Galileo navigation programme, which proves that a “common infrastructure under civilian control can meet defence and security needs, and that we can set up the right governance, based on trust”.
He wants to apply this model to the Copernicus programme.
A major conference will be held in Toulouse on 17 February, the day after the space summit (see EUROPE 12817/24), dedicated to the future of the Copernicus programme.
...as well as the ‘connectivity’ constellation
In addition, Mr Breton insisted on the development of new dual-use infrastructure, integrating the needs of defence “from the outset”. In particular, he cited the project for a constellation for secure connectivity (see EUROPE 12872/12), which could “be equipped with a payload on LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites to monitor space from space”.
Questioned by EUROPE, the Commissioner confirmed that the budget for the constellation (currently scheduled to be presented on 9 February) should be in the region of €5-6 billion, although “discussions are ongoing”. He said that several national recovery plans are already earmarking “significant amounts” for this project.
Furthermore, the Commissioner said he expects the EU Council and the European Parliament to finalise negotiations on this initiative within the year so that the first satellites can be launched as early as 2024.
Space traffic management and autonomous access to space
The former French minister returned to the communication being prepared on space traffic management. He insisted on strengthening European infrastructures and resources by defining a “holistic” approach, to reduce “European dependence” on the American system, while ensuring interoperability.
Towards an IPCEI for launchers?
The Commissioner also discussed the proposed Launchers Alliance (see EUROPE 12756/21). He stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive, long-term European strategy, citing a period of 30 years. He indicated the need to develop small and micro launchers as well.
Asked by EUROPE about the possible launch of an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), the Commissioner was cautious but did not totally rule out the idea. “For me, what is most important is to establish the right vision together through the Alliance..., and if we then decide together that an IPCEI makes sense, then of course the Member States will be free to start building an IPCEI within the framework of our common strategy that we would have put in place within this Alliance”, he said.
Launch of the ‘CASSINI’ initiative
In the framework of the ‘CASSINI’ initiative, Mr Breton signed a joint letter with EIB Vice-President Kris Peeters and European Investment Fund Director-General Alain Godard formalising the Cassini Seed and Growth Funding Facility.
The goal of this €1 billion space investment fund is to attract more funding for European SMEs developing space technologies and digital services using space data.
Commissioner Breton also presented this morning the €10 million prize to the winner, Isar Aerospace Technologies GmbH, for the development of specialised low-cost launch services for light satellites in low earth orbit. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)