The European Union has laid out proposals for a €6 billion “space-based secure communication system” that would “ensure the long-term availability of worldwide uninterrupted access to secure and cost-effective satellite communication services.”
The EU noted in a report that in today’s digital world, space-based connectivity is a strategic asset for EU’s resilience because it enables economic power, digital leadership and technological sovereignty, competitiveness and societal progress. Secure connectivity has also become a public good for European governments and citizens.
This initiative is expected to boost the competitiveness of the EU space ecosystem, as the development of a new infrastructure would provide a gross value added of €17-24 billion and additional jobs in the EU space industry, with further positive spill-over effects on the economy through the downstream sectors using the innovative connectivity services.
“This makes Space Traffic Management a priority public policy issue, which requires the EU to act now, collectively and at a multilateral level, if we are to ensure a safe, secure and sustainable use of space for the generations to come.