#space - Finabel

On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Technologies – Towards European Space Defence Autonomy

This research paper explores the role of on-orbit satellite servicing (OOS) technologies for the acceleration of European space autonomy. By assessing the global historical evolution of OOS, with a particular focus on the United States, China, and Russia, the paper establishes an overview of current OOS technologies and their growing strategic relevance. It finds that while in comparison to other global space actors, European OOS capacities have historically been underdeveloped, investments in OOS offer a cost-efficient opportunity to significantly bolster European autonomy. With recent changes in European defence policy and an increased focus on space as a strategic domain, new opportunities have emerged to close the resulting capability gap. Examining European projects such as ClearSpace-1, RISE, and EROSS+, the analysis concludes that expanding investments in private-public partnerships between governments and commercial providers are the most efficient path towards expanding European OOS capabilities.

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6 August 2025

Episodes

Episode 7: The Role of Space in European Security and Defence

In this episode of StrategicALLY, hosts Doğa Sultan Önaçan and Manuel Dias are joined by Colonel Marcin Mazur from the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to explore the evolving role of space in European security. We discuss space warfare, dual-use technologies, and the EU's path to strategic autonomy in space. Colonel Mazur shares valuable insights on the challenges Europe faces in protecting space assets and advancing space capabilities. Topics covered include the weaponization of orbital debris, the development of military space vehicle technology, and the EU's efforts in achieving autonomous space access. Tune in as we discuss how Europe is positioning itself to secure the future of its space domain. Podcast edited by Livia Perrulli.

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29 April 2025

Info Flash

The Involvement of the Private Sector in the Militarisation of Outer Space and the Liability Problem

The military use of space is not new, yet it has developed and become more advanced today. Space is relatively unregulated, as multilateral organizations such as the UN find themselves powerless to strengthen existing legal agreements. The private industry has evolved rapidly and challenges governments’ monopolization of the use of space. Outer space is now a shared realm with both public priorities and private initiatives, which impacts state security and the military use of space. The aim of this paper is to analyse how the involvement of private companies change the militarisation of outer space, which, while not new, has developed and become more advanced today. Some limits are placed by the existing legislation, but only upon States, while private companies are becoming more important in the outer space militarisation field.

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24 April 2025

Info Flash

Space-to-Space Military Systems — An Operational Paradigm Shift

Current developments in space-to-space kinetic and non-kinetic weapons are changing the nature of military conduct in outer space. Additionally added flexibility, manoeuvrability and sustainability in space operations is made possible by in-orbit refuelling, servicing, assembly and manufacturing capabilities. When coupled with new technologies like military space vehicles, hunter-killer and nesting doll satellites and converged directed energy weapons, the space domain is realigned with more traditional operational domains of warfare. Although the nature of many military systems are by nature classified, one can infer from the current gamut of Western and adversarial projects already implemented but also in development that an operational paradigm shift is taking place in space. As such, European interoperability has never been so crucial - but similarly so is the ability to militarise space while guided by a stern moral compass, where legal accountability is ambiguous. In this vein, the article contends that space is experiencing an operational paradigm shift. Space is now, for all effects and purposes, a battlefield.

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10 February 2025

Info Flash

The New Portfolio of Defence and Space Commissioner: Key Priorities and Challenges Ahead

In this paper, Marek Gallo analyses the implications of the newly created post of Defence and Space Commissioner (DaSC) for the European security architecture. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius reflects a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the EU’s defence industry and achieving greater strategic autonomy in response to Russian aggression and global instability. However, this paper argues that while the DaSC role emphasises joint procurement and enhanced interoperability, the portfolio lacks the authority to drive substantial defence reforms. At the same time, Kubilius' success depends on securing resources, overcoming institutional hesitancy, and fostering collaboration with NATO. Additionally, the EU’s cost-effective space policy focuses on regulatory leadership and space programmes continuity, rather than militarisation. This paper constructively highlights the challenges Kubilius will face in aligning immediate security concerns with long-term strategic objectives, positioning the DaSC as a symbolic yet limited step in strengthening Europe’s defence posture.

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25 October 2024

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