DG DEFIS and EEAS launch stakeholder mechanism on Space Traffic Management to implement EU approach on STM

With the first meeting of the STM main group which took place on 27 September 2023, DG DEFIS and EEAS officially launched the STM stakeholder mechanism.  

The STM main group, co-chaired by DG DEFIS and EEAS, gathers representatives from EU Member States and EDA and steers the overall implementation of the EU approach to STM as outlined in the Joint Communication.  

In their first meeting, participants learned about the state of play of EU Space Traffic Management and two recently concluded studies on STM carried out under the Horizon Europe programme (SpaceWays and EU STM). They then exchanged views on the EU approach to STM confirming the need to act, outlining ongoing national initiatives, and suggesting areas to address as a priority. 

Four subgroups, one for each of the four avenues of the EU STM approach, will be set up over the coming months to support the work of the STM main group. These subgroups will gather experts in their fields to guide DG DEFIS and EEAS in their implementation of the actions listed under each avenue. 

The EU Industry and Start-ups Forum on STM (EISF), inaugurated already in April last year to get a jump-start on industrial support initiatives, is seamlessly integrated into the STM stakeholder mechanism as subgroup 2 on enhancing the operational capabilities to support STM. 

More information 

• To find out about activities and meetings of the STM main group and subgroups, go to Space Traffic Management stakeholder mechanism (europa.eu).
• Joint Communication on an EU approach to Space Traffic Management
• Space Traffic Management – safeguarding space operations
• STM_Factsheet
• STM_Leaflet
• EISF_OnePager