EU space operations agree on unified civilian and military Space Traffic Management requirements
EU civilian and military space operators have finalised a shared set of requirements for Space Traffic Management (STM)
The new requirements for STM are a significant milestone in Europe’s effort to improve the safety and sustainability of activities in orbit.
The agreement brings together inputs from 21 civilian operators, including companies from start-ups to established aerospace firms, alongside 14 military counterparts coordinated through the European Defence Agency.
The new STM requirements, a broader European initiative led by the European Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space and the European External Action Service, aim to strengthen coordination across civil and defence space operations.
Two years of structured cooperation
The final report is the result of an extensive two-year consultation process running from May 2024 to April 2026. Civilian operators contributed through a dedicated expert subgroup within the STM stakeholder mechanism, while military operators provided input through coordination facilitated by the European Defence Agency.
Throughout the process, both communities identified operational needs, safety challenges, and long-term priorities for managing increasing traffic in Earth orbit. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, including collision avoidance, data sharing, coordination protocols, and responses to emergency scenarios in space.
Common requirements for a crowded orbit
The report brings together the shared requirements of both civilian and military operators into a single framework. It reflects the growing concern about orbital congestion, driven by the expansion of satellite constellations and the increased reliance on space-based services for communications, navigation, and security.
To support practical understanding, the report also includes a set of common operational scenarios that illustrate the typical challenges operators face in orbit. These scenarios help translate technical requirements into real-world situations, supporting more consistent planning and coordination.
A foundation for future Space Traffic Management policy
STM, understood as the coordination and regulation of space objects to prevent collisions and ensure sustainable use of orbital environments, is becoming a key policy area for Europe. The newly agreed requirements represent the completion of Action 1 of the EU’s Joint STM Communication, an important policy framework guiding Europe’s approach to orbital safety.
Officials involved in the process emphasise that the requirements are not static. They are expected to evolve as technology advances, orbital activity increases, and new risks emerge. The agreement includes a commitment from operators and EU institutions to maintain ongoing dialogue and regularly update the framework.
With the requirements now finalised, the focus shifts to exploring how they can be implemented in practice. The European Commission, the EEAS, and the European Defence Agency will work together to assess possible tools, coordination mechanisms, and operational measures to support operators in meeting these requirements.
This next phase aims to ensure that Europe’s growing space activities remain safe, resilient, and sustainable, while supporting both civilian innovation and defence capabilities in an increasingly complex orbital environment.
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