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EU Space Act nears a monumental launch, aiming to unify rules governing space operations

The European space industry will be strengthened under a legislative effort by this draft law, which can help regulate space services.

BY MAHALEKSHMI P

PUBLISHED 2 DAYS AGO

Astronaut Rick Mastracchio, STS-118 mission specialist, participates in the mission's third planned session of extravehicular activity (EVA) on the International Space Station, August 15, 2007. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | NASA)

The space industry of Europe will be overhauled by a draft of the Space Act to be published by the end of June. Companies engaging with the European space market will be unified under its legislative clauses, according to SpaceNews. As the European Union (EU) plans to increase efforts in space autonomy, this ambitious act will provide sustainability while shifting geopolitical winds. This act by the European Commission is expected to create a cohesive system of regulations and ensure sustainability, safety, resilience, and security in key areas of space.

Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope onboard is seen at the launch pad on December 23, 2021. (Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA via Getty Images) — Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket with NASA's James Webb Space Telescope onboard is seen at the launch pad on December 23, 2021. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Bill Ingalls/NASA)

The main aim of introducing the Space Act is to assemble a reliable “single market for space services in Europe.” It will reduce the administrative obligation to navigate the “fragmented patchwork” and take down barriers with a unified framework and strict adherence for companies, governments, and organizations to operate in space. “This would be a substantial change from the recent international emphasis on voluntary codes of practice and similar measures,” stated John Worthy, a partner at Fieldfisher and head of satellite and space projects at the law firm.

German ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst takes a photo during his spacewalk, whilst aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on October 7, 2014. (Representative Photo by Alexander Gerst / ESA via Getty Images) — German ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst takes a photo during his spacewalk, whilst aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on October 7, 2014. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Alexander Gerst/ESA)

This obligatory system of regulations will be different from the approach of the United States and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). They favor codes of good practice over set rules for the space industry. A single market for space services will better navigate through the national regulations and reduce administrative weight. A strategic standard in a competitive and commercially driven space market will establish individual autonomy for Europe as well. However, the legal form of the act will attest to the efficiency of its execution.

The Hubble Space Telescope drifts through space in a picture taken from the Space Shuttle Discovery during Hubble's second servicing mission in 1997. (Representative Photo by NASA via Getty Images) — The Hubble Space Telescope drifts through space in a picture taken from the Space Shuttle Discovery during Hubble's second servicing mission in 1997. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | NASA)

“If the new law is framed as a directive, which sets the overall principles but leaves member states to implement it locally, there will be more wriggle room for member states to apply the law in their own way, which will tend to leave ripples in the legal landscape,” Worthy added, as per SpaceNews. It was underlined by Europe’s NIS2 cybersecurity directive that allotted different compliance requirements for companies across various EU member states. This repetition in the European Space Act will be counterproductive to what the act aimed to establish.

Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyn, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez lifts off from Launch Site One on April 14 (Image Source: Getty | Justin Hamel) — Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez lifts off from Launch Site One on April 14 (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Justin Hamel)

“Alternatively, if it is a regulation, which applies directly once adopted by the EU institutions, the result should be a consistent framework across the EU, offering more certainty to space business,” he added. Also, he answered questions about the act and mentioned how it would not have conflicting legal standards and demands, strict, enforceable compliance standards. The law will have to support innovation standards to ensure it will not become outdated. It was also possible that these strict standards might drive out some companies from the European market.

In this photo provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, the International Space Station is seen from Atlantis as the orbiter undocks in space (Image Source: Getty | ESA) — In this photo provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, the International Space Station is seen from Atlantis as the orbiter undocks in space (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | ESA)

The Space Act is also expected to align with the EU’s 2023 Space Strategy for Security and Defence. It will ensure that space suppliers in the European market will adhere to the law for defense procurement opportunities. A unified European defense space environment was shaping up under Andrius Kubilius, appointed as the EU’s first commissioner for defense and space. The Space Act will be momentous for Europe’s ambitions for the final frontiers, aiding global power and security. As the act awaits its launch, it will likely take years for the rules to be implemented.