EU Space Networks | Open call for expression of interest

The EU Space Networks, evolving from the Copernicus Networks, serve as an expanded framework to support the European Commission's mission in bridging any skills and data usage gaps, promoting EU space data and services, and facilitating their uptake in new sectors. This integrated network brings together various roles, including EU Space Ambassadors, Copernicus Ambassadors, Galileo/EGNOS Ambassadors, IRIS² Ambassadors, and SSA/STM Ambassadors under a single umbrella. Members, comprising European and international universities, research institutions, business schools, startups, and SMEs, as well as national authorities, collectively promote the EU Space Programme and its components across different territories, thematic areas, or industry verticals, encouraging the use of space data and services both within and outside the EU. 

The EU Space Networks encompass a comprehensive structure aiming to advance the usage and understanding of EU space data and services across various sectors. The Networks comprise a series of Ambassadors, each playing a unique role within the broader EU Space Programme ecosystem.

Roles as members of network

The Ambassadors in the EU Space Networks, including EU Space Ambassadors, Copernicus Ambassadors, Galileo/EGNOS Ambassadors, IRIS² Ambassadors, and SSA/STM Ambassadors, each have expertise in their respective fields. They play an essential role in promoting the EU Space Programme and its components across various sectors and territories, helping to increase the uptake and use of space data and services.

• Copernicus Ambassadors are experts in Copernicus and Earth Observation who specifically promote the Copernicus component, aiming to increase its visibility and encourage the use of Copernicus data, information and services. This includes activities such as integrating Copernicus data into curricula and research to enhance skills and foster innovation, promoting user uptake in Earth Observation, acting as local champions for Copernicus, and facilitating access to Copernicus data and services at thematic, regional, or national levels.

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• Galileo/EGNOS Ambassadors are specialists in EGNSS, promoting its benefits and encouraging the use of Galileo and/or EGNOS services. Their expertise fosters the adoption of these technologies, enhancing efficiency and safety in industries such as finance & insurance, transportation, agriculture, and emergency response. 

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• SSA/STM Ambassadors are specialists in the use of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for monitoring space objects and space weather or in Space Traffic Management (STM), which can promote safe operations for all users of space. They raise awareness about best practices in Europe and internationally, notably in the context of the adoption of the EU Space law in 2024, to help manage the increasingly crowded orbital environment and mitigate any natural or anthropogenic threats to the European space infrastructure. 

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• EU Space Ambassadors promote the EU Space Programme as a whole and all its above listed components across different territories and/or thematic areas and encourage the use of EU space data and services both within and outside the Union. They can present the programme at events and provide training, bringing the programme closer to its potential users. 

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• IRIS² Ambassadors promote IRIS², particularly as is moves closer to operational deployment, by spreading awareness, supporting user uptake in Europe and Africa, and enhancing the understanding of the unique role of IRIS² in ensuring secure, resilient connectivity. (Coming soon)

This integrated approach enables Ambassadors to:

• Promote the EU Space Programme and/or one or several of its components across different territories, thematic areas, or industry verticals.
• Foster skill development and support the creation of training materials and programmes as part of their educational role.
• Act as dedicated representatives, providing technical assistance, organising activities to foster awareness, and promoting the use of space data for public services and commercial applications.

Opportunities for members of the EU Space Networks

Membership in the EU Space Networks provides a range of benefits that include both professional and collaborative opportunities. Members become part of a diverse community that includes universities, research institutions, industry players, public authorities, and “New Space” entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives across Europe and internationally.

In addition to these collaborative benefits, the members of the EU Space Networks will have access to existing communication tools such as product portfolios, market reports, informational brochures on funding instruments applicable to space-related activities, data access flyers, success stories, etc., and would be consulted for the design of future instruments, tools, and resources to be developed by the European Commission, enabling them to contribute directly to the development of new opportunities and capabilities within the EU Space Programme. 

Participation in the EU Space Networks offers significant potential for knowledge enhancement, reputation building and capacity growth. Members benefit from cross-fertilisation and sharing of best practices with other members of the Networks. Furthermore, they can leverage a direct and strong link with the EU Space Support Office, which serves as a key resource in promoting and supporting the use of space data and services.

The Networks span a wide range of economic sectors, including climate action, environmental management, transportation, and other industries benefiting from space data. Through engagement with components such as Copernicus, Galileo, EGNOS, IRIS², SSA, and STM, members play an active role in driving the uptake of space applications and contributing to innovation across multiple domains.