Eurospace

Eurospace members cover the whole span of the space industrial chain, are present in 13 European countries and represent more than 90% of the European space industry activity from both a turnover and employment point of view.

Since 2004, Eurospace is the Space Group of ASD (AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, created from the merger of AECMA, EDIG and Eurospace activities) where it represents and defines the space viewpoint of the association. This new aggregated structure allows industry to benefit from existing synergies between aeronautic, defence and space industrial activities.

Since its creation, ESA has maintained formal links with Eurospace. The association provides an effective entry point for the industrial sector and is the preferred medium to discuss industry-wide issues. A frame contract between ESA and Eurospace was signed in 1987, which allows the association to perform advisory work for the Agency. In 2001 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed that officially recognised Eurospace as the representative body of the European space industry. The MoU covered all aspects related to new programmes, competitiveness, research & technology, and administration. In 2012 the ESA Eurospace MoU was renewed.

Eurospace plays a key role in the European Space Technology Strategy process, officially presenting the whole European space manufacturing industry views on technology evolution and harmonisation.

With 50 years of presence in the space policy arena, Eurospace has established and maintains a comprehensive network of contacts with the main national space agencies in Europe (ASI, UKSA, CNES, DLR,...) and with the relevant national ministries. As policy evolution required, Eurospace extended its reach to new institutions, such as the WEU, EDA or the French DGA for defence matters.

Over the past 15 years, the European Union has developed a strong interest in space, from the research and development point of view (with dedicated space budgets being included in the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes for example), but also as a user and promoter of space infrastructures. Indeed space services and applications are now recognised as efficient tools for policy implementation, environmental studies, situation assessments, etc. to support the European Commission actions as the executive arm of the EU.

Eurospace mandate covers the relevant EU bodies, including Commission Directorate Generals, the Council, the Parliament etc. and eventually Eurospace established a dedicated office in Brussels in 2001.

Eurospace is a recognised interlocutor to the European Union, and an active participant to EU led industry consultations on space, providing data, analysis and assessments on space industry related issues to relevant DGs as required.