3rd STM main group meeting: Member States and co-chairs discuss first results on aspects to consider for a comprehensive EU approach to space traffic management

In its 3rd meeting on 3 December 2024, the STM main group, co-chaired by DG DEFIS and EEAS, were debriefed on latest activities on STM subgroups followed up by a presentation of the consolidated replies shared by STM main group members to three follow-up STM questions. These three additional STM questions followed up on the four STM questions discussed in the previous meeting and aimed at getting a comprehensive overview of what is needed to make sure that the EU approach on STM enhances EU capabilities and strategic autonomy, and fosters EU competitiveness for the space surveillance sector and space operators alike. The replies shared by the STM main group and the ensuing exchange of views with members confirmed that many aspects needed are already ongoing or in preparation.

DG DEFIS and EEAS then presented several recently launched activities to implement the ideas that the STM main group had shared in their replies to the four STM questions in the 2nd meeting. These included

• initiatives to create closer links between space traffic management and air traffic management in relation to re-entries of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere;

• a debrief on exchanges with insurers on insuring space missions; and

• a state of play of industry developments in the field of space surveillance and tracking as regards tendering opportunities and research activities.

Background

The STM main group, co-chaired by DG DEFIS and EEAS, gathers representatives from EU Member States and EDA and steers the overall implementation of the EU approach to STM as outlined in the Joint Communication. It also oversees the work of the STM subgroups.

More information

To find out about activities and meetings of the STM main group and subgroups, go to Space Traffic Management stakeholder mechanism (europa.eu).