ESA's Potential Contribution to the EU Space Strategy for Security & Defence (EU SSSD) - From ambition to implementation

ESA welcomes the important step taken with the publication of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence (EU SSSD) in 2022, giving the Space domain a key role for security and defence purposes. Thers is no European Defence without Space. However, the key challenge remains now the concrete implementation of the EU SSSD. In this regard, the European Space Agency can play a significant role as a unique R&D organisation in the space domain in Europe, able to lead complex space architectures and procurement processes involving relevant European companies. In a fierce competitive and aggressive international context, emphasized by the new US administration and a critical international security situation, only a collective and coordinated approach mobilizing all the European Space Actors involved (EU, ESA and their Member States) in their respective fields of responsibilities, existing or already planned capabilities, but also missing capabilities to be identified, the available resources must enable the implementation of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence within the tightest deadlines.