Report on the implementation of the space surveillance and tracking (SST) support framework (2014-2017)

Further information:

Space assets and services have become indispensable to our economy and society, and their long-term availability is essential for Europe’s safety and security. The number and criticality of European space assets has been increasing steadily, as have space hazards. Europe is set to have 40 Galileo and Copernicus satellites in space by 2020 and around 12% of the world’s satellites. It therefore has a vital interest in ensuring that its space assets and services can be launched and operated safely. In 2008, the Council underlined the need to develop a European capability for the monitoring and surveillance of European space infrastructure and of space debris.

The EU’s initial response was to establish a European Union space surveillance and tracking (EU SST) capability by means of Decision No 541/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing a framework for space surveillance and tracking support ('the SST Decision'). As required by its Article 11(2), this report sets out information on its implementation and achievements.

The SST Decision recognises that securing an acceptable degree of autonomy in SST activities could require the adoption of a basic act and that the mid-term review of the EU’s 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework (MFF) should examine such a possibility. Consequently, the conclusions and recommendations of this report will contribute to the work foreseen in the Space Strategy for Europe on the EU SST.

ESO: European Parliament approves space surveillance and tracking programme http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-avoiding-costly-space-crashes-european-parliament-approves-space-surveillance-and-tracking-programme/

---