ESPI
ESPI2040: Space for Prosperity, Peace and Future Generations - ESPI
ESPI2040: Space for Prosperity, Peace and Future Generations - ESPI
The Autumn Conference is an annual ESPI event where high-level stakeholders come together to discuss outstanding issues at stake for the European space sector. The theme of this year’s conference is “Space Governance: Public and Private Objectives in a Multi-Stakeholder Environment.” *More information will be provided closer to the event date: October 2023*
Data centres in space: orbital backbone of the second digital era? - ESPI
Data centres in space: orbital backbone of the second digital era? - ESPI
“Space-based data centres could fundamentally transform how we process data, manage energy, and maintain digital sovereignty. Europe has world-class space technology and strong institutions. The question is whether we’ll use them to lead this revolution or watch others define the future of computing.” — Jermaine Gutierrez, ESPI Research Fellow and lead author of the report. […]
Blinded by the Light: Strategic Levers to Reclaim Europe’s Industrial Edge in Space - ESPI
Blinded by the Light: Strategic Levers to Reclaim Europe’s Industrial Edge in Space - ESPI
Only with a thriving and competitive space industry can Europe futureproof its defence, supercharge innovation, and boost its champions in the digital economy and in globally competitive sectors. Europe in space is being blinded by the bright light of disruption of the global space ecosystem, brought by new industrial challengers and rising space powers. The […]
Integrating Commercial Space for Military Applications in Europe: A Challenge and Opportunity - ESPI
Integrating Commercial Space for Military Applications in Europe: A Challenge and Opportunity - ESPI
1. The rise of commercial space for defence applications From its start, the war in Ukraine has triggered the extensive use of commercial space solutions (e.g. in Earth observation with Iceye or connectivity with Starlink) and showcased the added value of commercial space actors for security and defence missions. However, the increased use of commercial […]
Observations and New Perspectives for Exploration in Times of Change - ESPI
Observations and New Perspectives for Exploration in Times of Change - ESPI
Space exploration is a strategic asset for catalysing innovation & competitiveness, for attracting talent to the space sector and for shaping global alliances and influence. Bringing its value to the forefront of attention of European policymakers can empower a more effective policy and space diplomacy. In 2023, Revolution Space, a report elaborated by an independent […]
Bold Words, Blurred Lines: A Reflective Look at the EU Space Act - ESPI
Bold Words, Blurred Lines: A Reflective Look at the EU Space Act - ESPI
ESPI welcomes this initiative as a first step towards addressing Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and innovation concerns. However, as the legislative process unfolds, several provisions raise questions regarding implementation, legal certainty, proportionality, and the balance of competences between EU institutions, Member States, and international actors. This Brief explores these challenges, identifying areas that will be critical […]
Talent in the European Space Sector: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures - ESPI
Talent in the European Space Sector: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures - ESPI
Europe prides itself on the world-class talent it fosters. Yet the question of whether this talent is fully nurtured and effectively leveraged remains largely unanswered, despite its importance for closing Europe’s innovation and competitiveness gaps. ESPI’s new report “Talent in the European Space Sector: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures” aims to provide a greater understanding of the dynamics […]
Simulating the Future of European Security: Wargaming for Space Operations - ESPI
Simulating the Future of European Security: Wargaming for Space Operations - ESPI
Between 17 and 28 March 2025, France hosted the 5th edition of AsterX, which stands as Europe’s biggest wargaming activity involving space. July 2024 also saw the UK conduct its first space wargame, “Space Warrior”, featuring participants from the MoD, industry, and international allies.[1] The rapid digitisation and military operations have led to technological disruption […]
Towards a Safe and Sustainable Cislunar Space: Policy Priorities for European Engagement - ESPI
Towards a Safe and Sustainable Cislunar Space: Policy Priorities for European Engagement - ESPI
With humanity returning to the Moon, a new wave of missions is turning cislunar space into a strategic frontier; yet, missions are currently not sufficiently protected. In this context, Europe has the opportunity to address cislunar safety as an integral part of a reinforced exploration ambition, de-risking future European institutional and commercial missions alike. ESPI’s […]
A Policy Vision for Earth Observation: Food, Water, Energy, Democracy, Peace Empowered Through Space - ESPI
A Policy Vision for Earth Observation: Food, Water, Energy, Democracy, Peace Empowered Through Space - ESPI
ESPI Director, H. Ludwig Moeller, announcing the Vision Paper at 00:37:00-00:42:00 This Vision sets a direction, initiating a dialogue to maximise the policy impact of Earth Observation: bringing new energy to space programmes through stimulating continuous policy demand and guidance. It is addressed to national and European decision-makers in the domains of energy, security, environment, agriculture, digitalisation and […]
Space Venture 2024: Global Investment Dynamics - ESPI
Space Venture 2024: Global Investment Dynamics - ESPI
In 2024, the global space sector attracted €6.9 billion, marking a 6% year-on-year increase and a partial recovery from the downturn observed in 2023. Notably, for the first time since 2019, the U.S. attracted less than half of global investment, while China and Europe together accounted for 50%, each hitting record highs. Europe’s space sector […]
IRIS² Growing Up: From Strategic Roots to Commercial Power Play - ESPI
IRIS² Growing Up: From Strategic Roots to Commercial Power Play - ESPI
On the 21st of February 2025, Reuters reported that U.S. negotiators, pressing Kyiv for access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, raised the possibility of cutting the country’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system.[1] The news, later refuted by SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, nonetheless sent shockwaves across geopolitical spheres and affected industries including the satellite communications industry, positioning European […]
Rising Together? The (Re)Convergence of Europe’s Space and Defence Industries - ESPI
Rising Together? The (Re)Convergence of Europe’s Space and Defence Industries - ESPI
While traditional space companies are increasingly called on to boost European security and defence, pure defence companies are also increasingly (re)venturing into the space domain. This increasing appetite of the defence industry to embed space manifests through new own programmes, acquisitions, and investment. The development and sustainment of a strong industry is a prerequisite for […]
Bundestag Election 2025: Understanding the German Space Debate - ESPI
Bundestag Election 2025: Understanding the German Space Debate - ESPI
ESPI believes the question of Europe’s ambition in space, and the role space will play in the future of Europe’s global competitiveness is a topic that transcends political boundaries and ideologies. This brief is based on self-funded research and in no way represents an endorsement or support of any political party, political group or individual […]
An Initial Perspective on a European Space Strategy 2040: From Vision Towards Implementation ESPI
An Initial Perspective on a European Space Strategy 2040: From Vision Towards Implementation ESPI
Europe’s actions in space are not guided by a single unified European space strategy. This document proposes a set of initial perspectives on a European space strategy
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