The invasion of Ukraine that started in February 2022 has had important consequences on the European space sector. Beyond the immediate impact on European programmes, the situation will also influence European actions on security and defence and compel European decision-makers to change their approach towards space cooperation.

Issue 26 of ESPI Insights is now available. ESPI Insights provides a quick, monthly update on major news in the space sector. This issue covers the top news from April 2022, including: ESA re-evaluates its cooperation with Russia, especially the space exploration programmes, the European Investment Fund launches the CASSINI Space Investment Facility, Amazon’s record launch contracts cause ripple effects in space industry, and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) awarded €11M in DLR competition.

In October 2021, a High-Level Advisory Group appointed by ESA DG made recommendations on the main societal challenges representing priorities for a reinforced and more effective cooperation between ESA, its Member States, and the EU and highlighted the importance of accelerating the use of Space in Europe.

The 2021 UN General Assembly resolution 76/231 led to the establishment of a new Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours. ESPI produced and submitted a working paper to the OEWG secretariat to support their deliberations.

The intensification of space activities and the emergence of new actors along with new technological and business concepts (i.e. large constellations, miniaturized systems, etc.) have raised, and continue raising, new challenges to ensure the safety of operations and the long-term sustainability of the space environment.