French MEP Christophe Grudler (Renew Europe) wants to strengthen the sustainability aspects of the future space programme to create a constellation for secure connectivity, according to the draft report seen by EUROPE on Wednesday 8 June.
“The programme should improve its measures on infrastructure sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions and light pollution. The report also details measures for a responsible constellation from the point of view of Space Traffic Management”, the explanatory memorandum reads.
Thus, in Article 17 of the Regulation (Amendment 70), the MEP provides more detail on the provisions related to environmental criteria. Mr Grudler suggests setting up a system to compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the programme.
In addition, he proposes to introduce requirements for contractors to implement a comprehensive space debris mitigation plan that includes risk assessment and preventive actions during the launch and release phase of satellites and also end-of-life support (‘removal’) of satellites (amendment 71).
In general, the MEP explained that he wanted to clarify the regulation and in particular the integration of the GovSatCom programme. He also highlights the ‘Swiss Army knife’ dimension of the constellation. It also strengthens the protection of the Union’s interests in the event that a contractor defaults (Article 15, amendment 67).
The rapporteur, in Article 13, clearly specifies the Member States’ contribution of €1.6 billion (amendment 64). For the Frenchman, “it is important that the infrastructure is launched as soon as possible. This is why the report seeks to ensure that funding is secured, particularly from the EU and Member States, as this will give private players confidence to invest in the project”.
He also insisted that the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA) should have “all the necessary resources” to fulfil its tasks. It also expands the role of the European Space Agency (ESA), in particular for the deployment of the infrastructure and the future development of the programme.
For the report by Mr Grudler: https://aeur.eu/f/20z (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)