Space, security, and sovereignty.
This week on T-Minus: Space-Cyber Briefing: we look at the recent evolution of the European space program. Whereas the region had previously relied on the US to support its space goals, both the UK and the EU have begun to make significant changes to reduce this reliance.
Europe’s space independence.
For years, Europe has been able to rely on a network of international partners for access to space, satellite communications, and launch services. Recently, that paradigm has become increasingly more difficult to maintain. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted Europe’s access to Russian launch capabilities, and debates over commercial satellite services highlighted how a single company, such as Starlink, could have significant influence on communication capabilities. As a result, European governments are accelerating efforts to build more independent launch capabilities, expand satellite communications, and develop regulatory frameworks.
Through programs such as Galileo, Copernicus, and Ariane, the European Union (EU) has spent decades building space capabilities. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns over the reliability of global supply chains and commercial space services accelerated the bloc’s efforts to improve its strategic autonomy. In 2023, the European Commission announced the EU’s new Space Strategy for Security and Defence, marking the first comprehensive strategy dedicated to protecting European space interests.
This strategy formally recognized space as a strategic domain alongside cyber and emphasized space as an increasingly essential to Europe’s economy, national security, and technological competitiveness. From satellite navigation to secure communications, European leaders are increasingly viewing uninterrupted access to space as a strategic necessity. To strengthen that position, the strategy outlines several initiatives, including:
- Establishing a new common framework for security, safety, and sustainability in space.
- Setting up Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) to raise awareness and facilitate exchange of best practices among commercial and relevant public entities on resilience measures for space capabilities.
- Launch preparatory work to ensure long-term EU autonomous access to space.
- Enhancing the technological sovereignty of the EU by reducing dependence and ensuring a stable supply chain for space and defense needs.
Outside of these goals, the strategy also places significant emphasis on responding to space threats. EU member states will be better able to respond to space-based incidents by expanding space threat intelligence, conducting joint exercises, and developing stronger tools. Collectively, these efforts reflect the broader shift in European thinking that space cannot be seen solely as a domain for exploration or scientific research, but as a critical infrastructure sector that must be protected.
To begin acting on many of these objectives, the European Commission introduced the EU Space Act. Rather than establishing new strategic priorities, the legislation seeks to translate the goals outlined in its overall space strategy into a common regulatory framework for the entire EU.
Space sovereignty in Europe.
Recognizing space as a strategic domain was a critical first step for the EU. The European Commission then introduced the EU Space Act in June 2025, to translate its broader goals into policy actions
Currently, commercial space operators must navigate a patchwork of national regulations within the EU’s thirteen member states, many of which maintain their own oversight regimes and regulations. While these frameworks are not problematic in a vacuum, they coalesce to create increased regulatory complexity, increased compliance costs, and make it more difficult for companies to operate across borders. The European Commission argues that by creating a common framework, the region will reduce its current fragmented approach and create more predictable rules for increased security and stability. The act itself is structured around three pillars:
- Safety: Improve tacking capabilities and ensure secure and uninterrupted access to space.
- Resilience: Tailored cybersecurity requirements to improve infrastructure and business continuity.
- Sustainability: Assess and reduce the environmental impact of space activities while still supporting innovation for the space sector.
Although negotiations over the legislation are ongoing, the EU Space Act represents more than a new set of regulations. The act reflects a broader effort to treat space with the same strategic importance as energy networks, telecommunications, and other critical infrastructure sectors.
The debate over space sovereignty is ultimately a debate about resilience. Europe is not trying to leave the international space community behind; it is trying to ensure that it has consistent access to orbit, communications, and critical space services regardless of what geopolitical events occur. In that sense, the question Europe is facing is not whether space sovereignty is necessary, but what policies and investments are needed to ensure its development.
This week’s space-cyber headlines.
The news stories we’re reading and thinking about this week.
Pentagon suspends CMMC phase two.
- The Pentagon has suspended the phase two rollout of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) pending a 60-day audit.
- While the phase one requirements will remain in effect, the Department of Defense is conducting a “top-to-bottom” review of the requirements citing overly burdensome compliance concerns.
July 13, 2026 | Source: Federal News Network
Eight NATO allies to create new satellite mega-constellation.
- Several NATO countries have announced plans to link their military satellites to form a “mega-constellation.”
- The NATO press releases emphasized that by connecting these constellations together, the new entity will be able to “overcome the cost, time, and coverage limitations of single-nation satellite fleets.”
July 8, 2026 | Source: Breaking Defense
