2025: A space retrospect

As the EU Space Programme continues to go from strength to strength, the European Union benefits from the increased security, autonomy and resilience it helps provide.

Another year has come and gone - and what a year it's been! With a strong focus on security and marked by new opportunities, satellites and achievements, 2025 was not just a milestone year for EUSPA, but a defining year for European security, autonomy and resilience. EUSPA kicked the year off by welcoming the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, a presidency that put a big focus on safety, security - and space. The EU has made space a key component in its security and defence. This concept has been enshrined in the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, which aims to protect Europe's space assets, defend its interests, deter hostile activities in space and strengthen its strategic posture and autonomy.

As the security gatekeeper of the EU Space Programme, EUSPA plays a leading role in the implementation of the Strategy, a role that includes co-facilitating the EU Space ISAC, operating the EU SST Front Desk and managing the GOVSATCOM Hub.

A focus on Secure SATCOM

It's a role that also includes compiling strategic insight on such user technologies as secure SATCOM. That's why this year EUSPA published its first GNSS and Secure SATCOM User Technology Report.

The report emphasises key developments that directly affect users, particularly those requiring enhanced security in SATCOM transmissions. Like terrestrial communications, satellite communications face risks from malicious actors. As a result, the development of governmental and commercial SATCOM systems is increasingly driven by the growing demand for enhanced confidentiality, integrity and availability when it comes to satellite communication links.

Introducing the Galileo OSNMA

This year also saw the launch of the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA).

By providing authentication of Galileo's Open Service navigation messages, OSNMA allows users to verify that the data received truly comes from Galileo and has not been altered. This helps mitigate risks linked to spoofing - a growing concern as GNSS interference incidents continue to rise globally.

EU Space SAB turns 15

Continuing with the security theme, the EU Space Security Accreditation Board (SAB) Member States invited all European companies developing PRS receivers and anti-jamming antennas to share operational results and perform live dynamic tests in Prague. An high level event to celebrate the SAB 15^th Anniversary followed with institutions, high rank civilian and military States representatives.

In 2025, one of the 200 decisions made by the SAB was the signing of an agreement with the EU Satellite Centre to cooperate on the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS) pilot project. This marks an important step to achieving a future EOGS that will harness space data in support of autonomous European decision-making in the areas of security and defence.

CASSINI picks up the security mantel

The 2025 edition of the CASSINI Entrepreneurship Days placed a special emphasis on the convergence of space and defence innovation. The event offered SMEs a unique opportunity to connect with Europe's leading space and defence actors, pitch to decision-makers, and develop new partnerships that contribute to the EU's strategic objectives. Discover all the winners.

New funding opportunities

In October EUSPA launched the fourth Horizon Europe call, which looks to support the development and uptake of space-based applications that can boost the space data economy and reinforce European resiliency. The year also saw the launch of several Fundamental Elements calls, including one for a pair of Galileo receivers.

Turning user input into user support

With a mission to be the user-oriented operational, EUSPA regularly seeks the input of EU Space users. One way we do this is through our annual User Consultation Platform (UCP).

This year's edition was a chance for business and industry leaders, entrepreneurs, service providers, innovators and space user communities to express their needs, share best practices and present case studies. It is also a unique opportunity for networking and prepare the future.

Europe's space technology gets a boost

Supporting users also requires that the space technology they rely on continues to be amongst the best in the world. Thanks to the numerous upgrades and satellite launches that happened in 2025, this is definitely the case.

For instance, the addition of the Sentinel-5A satellite significantly strengthens the capacity for Copernicus - already the world's most advanced EO system - to track air quality, emissions and atmospheric composition on a global scale.

Likewise, the recent launches of Sentinel-1D and Sentinel-1C also enhance the EU Space Programme. Both satellites are equipped with Galileo-enabled receivers for enhanced in-orbit positioning accuracy and carry an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload to detect signals from ships, supporting maritime domain awareness and the detection of unauthorised activities at sea.

This year also saw EUSPA integrate a new GEO-3 satellite into the EGNOS operational platform. The upgrade ensures that EGNOS remains a reliable and robust augmentation service for safety-critical and professional applications across Europe while also preparing the system for future evolutions.

To cap the year off, in December a new pair of Galileo satellites were launched aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Once in service, the satellites will reinforce the Galileo constellation, improving the precision, availability and robustness of the EU's global navigation satellite system.

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