The European Commission has adopted aproposalfor the selection of mobile satellite service (MSS) providers who will be authorised to use the harmonised 2 GHz frequency band beyond 2027, when the current licences expire. Spectrum for mobile satellite services is a strategic asset that enables innovative commercial use, as well as security and defence applications. The […]
EU-funded project demonstrates feasibility of assembling spacecraft in orbit
When one thinks about how satellites and spacecraft are currently built, the picture that usually springs to mind is of a huge clean room with lots of white-coated scientists and experts milling around. After being meticulously constructed, these expensive pieces of equipment then need to be launched into space. This work is incredibly costly, as […]
Galileo launches new sensor station in the South Pacific
To make the best use of the Galileo services, users rely on much more than the satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 23.000km. Dedicated facilities such as the Galileo Control Centres (GCCs), sensor and uplink stations are some of the most important components that make up the so-called ‘’Galileo Ground Segment’’ the role […]
European Commission invites industry to submit proposals to deploy the new EU secure connectivity satellite constellation
The Commission launches an invitation to tender to procure a concession contract to implement the EU satellite constellation called IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite). The public-private partnership between the Commission and the private sector will ensure common investment into the design, development, deployment and operation of governmental and commercial infrastructure and […]
New satellite connectivity system and space traffic management measures
February 15, the EU is acting on its space ambitions by tabling two initiatives – a proposal for a Regulation on a space-based secure connectivity and a Joint Communication on an EU approach on Space Traffic Management (STM). Space technology is essential for facilitating our daily lives, contributing to a more digital, green and resilient future for […]
The curious incident of Swarm and sprites in the night-time
We are all familiar with the bolts of lightning that accompany heavy storms. While these flashes originate in storm clouds and strike downwards, a much more elusive type forms higher up in the atmosphere and shoots up towards space. So, what are the chances of somebody taking photographs of these rarely seen, brief ‘transient luminous […]
Horizon 2020: Prize for ‘European Low-Cost Space Launch’
Specific Challenge The challenge is to develop a European technologically non-dependent solution for launching light satellites into Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), which will enable dedicated low-cost launches with committed schedule and orbit. The solution needs to be innovative, implementable, affordable in development and exploitation phases, and commercially viable. Applicants are required to take a holistic approach […]
European Union Satellite Centre
Access to the official webpage and the social networks Overview Role: supports the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) by providing services based on space assets and collateral data Director: Sorin Ducaru Partners: European External Action Service, European Commission, European Defence Agency, European Space Agency and other institutions and international organisations Established in: 2002 (Western European Union Satellite Centre […]